A safer route for walking and cycling at Argoed has been opened by pupils from Markham Primary school last week [Thursday 9 February] who have officially named it Quoits Wood Crossing.
Charity Sustrans Newport Gwent Dragons rugby players and pupils were joined by Christopher Evans MP, Gwyn Price AM and Mark Drakeford AM for the official opening of the new bridge, which links Blackwood and Markham on National Cycle Network Route 467.
The bridge is a traffic-free route allowing walkers, cyclists and horse riders to travel between Blackwood and Markham more safely.
Lee Waters, Sustrans Cymru Director, said; ‘If we create the right space for cycling in, and give people the skills and encouragement to get on their bikes, then more people will cycle for their shorter, everyday journeys. Safety is the biggest concern that stops many of us from cycling more often, so investing in safer routes is vital for increasing the proportion of daily journeys done by bike.’
Markham Primary pupils were asked to research and choose a name for the bridge that captured the history and significance of the area. They picked Quoits Wood Crossing as Argoed was once a famous place for playing the traditional game of Quoits and the World Championships were held here.
Pupils Emily Jones and Holly Horton, said; ‘It has been brilliant to have the chance to name a bridge. We researched lots of information about the area to come up with names, so it helped us learn more about where we live.’
The new bridge has been funded through the Valleys Regional Parks initiative, the Welsh Government and European Regional Development Fund, specifically to enhance the tourism potential of the Valleys, is part of an ongoing project delivered by Sustrans and local authorities that will see the creation of an additional 100 miles of new walking and cycling paths across the south Wales Valleys.
Cllr Rob Gough, Caerphilly CBC cabinet member said, ‘We are delighted to have worked in partnership with Sustrans Cymru to deliver this impressive project and I’m sure this safe, sustainable route will bring benefits the whole community. The new bridge is the ‘missing link’ along this important route and will enhance the cycle and walking network across the valleys. I’d like to thank our funding partners for making the plans a reality and we now look forward to delivering even more improvements like this across county borough.
