A petition has been launched for a cycle path from Aberystwyth to Machynlleth.

Janoš Rush Vranek, 19, launched the petition, for the creation of a “safe and environmentally sustainable” route between the two major towns, on 19 March, and has procured 485 signatures.

“The project would increase connectivity, reduce carbon emissions from car traffic, boost tourism and importantly reduce cycle accidents and deaths,” Janoš said.

“Current stretches of the road between the towns are very dangerous for cyclists as it is a busy, windy and fast trunk road. Nevertheless, there are still a lot of cyclists on the road, particularly in the summer months.

“There are already stretches of cycle path along this route: from Machynlleth to Derwenlas, along the widened road at Glandyfi, south from Talybont for a couple of miles and from the north end of Bow Street to the new railway station at the south end.

“The cycle route would link these stretches and then there would be a few options to get from Bow Street Station into Aberystwyth, possibly going through Comins Coch or an alternative route.”

Janoš said the cycle route would “greatly benefit” many villages, such as Eglwys Fach, Tre Taliesin, Talybont and Bow Street, and provide a “safe link” to the Dovey Junction and Bow Street train stations, and amenities along the A487.

Powys County Council, Ceredigion County Council and the Welsh Government have been contacted regarding the petition.

Powys are yet to comment.

A spokesperon for Ceredigion council said it was the government’s responsibility as it would probably be built on the trunk road: “Whilst the petition doesn’t identify a specific route, it is difficult to identify an alternative route at present between Aberystwyth and Machynlleth that would not follow the A487 given the topography, terrain and natural features along that route, and that there are existing shared use paths between Machynlleth and Derwenlas adjacent to the TRA487 (within Powys), a shared use path adjacent to the TRA487 Glandyfi Improvement Scheme, a shared use path south of Talybont adjacent to the TRA487 and that shared use path schemes are currently being developed through Bow Street and towards Dole junction.”

A Welsh Government spokesperson said the local authorities would be “better placed” to comment on the petition, as the route it “looks like it’d cover different responsibilities”.

You can view the petition here.