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Welsh Cycling has responded to the Changes to the Cycle Racing on the Highways Regulations 1960 consultation by supporting changes to the current regulations.

Regulations on cycling events held on public highways have not been updated since 1960 and no longer reflect the road and traffic conditions of the 21st century. The ammendments were proposed by British Cycling to reflect these changes.

A consultation was held by the Department of Transport in England, but as this is a devolved area the Welsh Government asked for the views of Welsh stakeholders.

Welsh Cycling supports the proposed changes to modernise regulation, seeing them as essential to secure the future of cycle racing on the highways across the UK. Road racing is a key part of cycle sport and a critical part of the preparation for our developing and established athletes performing at elite and international levels.

Welsh Cycling also strongly believes that mass participation recreational cycle rides (Sportives/Charity Rides) that take place on the public highways should also come under regulation. Currently, there is no requirement to notify the Police or Highways authorities of such events and they can be organised at very short notice and have large numbers of participants. This is also supported by British Cycling.

The consultation was open from 2 December 2013 and closed on 13 January 2014. Welsh Cycling recognise the changes to the current regulations are important but not urgent, believing ammendments should be introduced over the next two years.

If you would like more information on road racing in Wales, please contact Welsh Cycling on 01633 283979.