NEARLY 50 children and parents cycled along the the old rail line from Tintern Old Station to Brockweir on Saturday to draw attention to the need for safe bike routes.
The group is backing the creation of a multi-use Wye Valley track that would offer cyclists, walkers and elderly people car-free links between the communities of Tintern, Brockweir and Llandogo.
David Rooke, chairman of the Families Group, said: "That so many families turned out on a wet December morning to raise their voice shows the strength of local support for the multi-use route.
"Parents want their children to be able to cycle safely to school and to visit friends in other villages.
"The roads in the valley are far too dangerous to do that at present."
Many local residents and groups including the Council for the Protection of Rural England are opposed for plans to open a Chepstow-Hereford cycle path.
One of Saturday's riders, Gill Stott, said: "The track won't only benefit children – local residents will be able to cycle down to the shops, perhaps further afield to Monmouth or Chepstow, only 45 minutes away by bike – enjoying the fresh air of the beautiful Wye Valley.
"We can't ignore the local businesses will benefit from those who cycle, through their supply of food and accommodation."
Views on the cycleway project should be delivered before December 14 to AONB Office, Hadnock Road, Monmouth NP25 3NG.
Details of the Families Group and their activities can be obtained on website http://www.safecycling.org.uk">www.safecycling.org.uk.