2. What progress has been made on encouraging active travel to and from the Senedd? OAQ53696

I thank the Assembly Member for his question. The Assembly’s website provides information on how to reach the Senedd via a variety of travel modes, including public transport, walking and cycling.

There are publicly accessible cycle racks in close proximity to the Senedd, outside both Tŷ Hywel and the Pierhead. We have met with the nextbike scheme to help facilitate the installation of a docking station in Cardiff Bay and we were pleased that one was recently installed nearby. The Assembly has been actively involved in the public services board for healthy travel in Cardiff. We're also very aware of the commitment contained in the new rail franchise to extend facilities for bike use, including more cycle capacity once the new rolling stock comes online, and we will be keeping a close watch on how this may, hopefully, have a positive impact on cycle use to the Assembly estate.

I thank David very much for that really comprehensive answer. I have to say that the Assembly is leading the way very much here in terms of active travel, but we could always do more, so I will be popping up regularly as a critical friend. I want to ask you, David, whether you have given any consideration, or whether you would give consideration, to the use of alternatives to heavy-duty trucks coming through the main security entrance, which cause a bit of a tailback.

There was an interesting moment the other day when a cyclist friend of mine was coming in, the articulated van pulled up and the security guards went through and did their thorough search to find that there was just one little box sitting in the middle of the Luton van that had to be driven into the estate and around. So, would he investigate the use—leading the way again, within the Senedd—of things such as cargo bikes or electric cargo bikes, which are available now in Cardiff, which could, indeed, deliver smaller packages? It's a question of leadership again. You've shown us that you're willing to lead, so would you explore that possibility?

As with all suggestions coming from Assembly Members, we welcome those suggestions that will help us make access to the Assembly safer as well as being much more accessible.

Just to broaden it out, just a little, on your question earlier, we note and welcome that the local authority, which, of course, is responsible for the local infrastructure with regard to bikes, has plans for five new cycle tracks, including one that runs from the city centre to the bay. We provide extensive facilities, as you know from your last question, to promote active travel, including those for cycling, walking, and latterly, of course, we've introduced electric vehicle charging points. We continue to work with Sustrans to raise awareness amongst Assembly staff of the availability of sustainable travel routes both across the city and Wales in general. I know the Member for Ogmore takes a keen interest in the subject of active travel and is also an advocate of it and, indeed, leads by example, I think. But can I assure him that the Commission has a firm commitment to provide the best possible facilities for cyclists on the Assembly estate and we will continue to announce those facilities as space and opportunity permits?