A new Act that requires the Welsh Government and local authorities to promote walking and cycling has been launched.Transport Minister Edwina Hart formally commenced the start of the Active Travel (Wales) Act 2013 today (25 September 2014).The Minister said: “Today the Active Travel (Wales) Act formally comes into force. This Act will drive forward our vision to promote cycling and walking as a real alternative to the car.“It requires the Welsh Government and local authorities to promote walking and cycling. Local authorities in Wales now need to map and plan suitable routes for walking and cycling, and improve their infrastructure for walking and cycling every year. I will shortly be publishing design and delivery guidance for how local authorities should implement the Act. By making it easier to walk and cycle this Act enable people all over Wales to enjoy the benefits greater physical activity brings.”To mark the occasion, the Minister will be speaking at the annual Active Travel conference in Cardiff. This year’s conference is focused on children and young people and how they can benefit from walking and cycling.