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Exeter prepares for 'fast' and 'slow' cycle routes for commutes

Public consultation showed some wanted quiet roads - and some wanted speed... so they'll create both...

Exeter is set to benefit from two new multi-use cycle paths linking the city centre with schools, universities and jobs, and completing the Exe Estuary Trail.

Devon County Council has approved the plans to create two routes linking Redhayes Bridge, which crosses the M5 near Junction 29, to the city centre.

One will connect cyclists quickly into town from Pinhoe, Monkerton and Cranbrook, while the other will connect Eastern Exeter to the centre, while linking into schools in Heavitree and Whipton.

The council says there will be ‘high-quality segregation between pedestrians and cyclists’.

A public consultation last year showed major support for the scheme, with quieter, safer routes requested by many.

Others however just wanted fast, direct commutes, leading to a two-path approach with a primary and secondary route.

Councillor Stuart Hughes, Devon County Council's cabinet member for highways with responsibility for cycling, said: "Next week is National Bike Week and with Devon once again hosting the Tour of Britain this year more people than ever before are cycling.

"At the last Census Exeter was ranked in the top 10 cities for cycling to work, with a 57% increase

"Cycling is not only increasingly being seen as an attractive leisure activity which is good for your health but as a good way of beating congestion, reducing petrol costs and helping the environment.

"Improvements to cycling infrastructure across the city will help enhance this trend allowing better access to the city centre for shopping, improved access to education and encouraging more leisure trips.

"This is not just about catering for cyclists; it will also improve conditions for pedestrians and people with disabilities."

James Barnfield, local architect and member of the Exeter Cycling Campaign, said: "It's important to recognise that this investment will benefit the whole city and all who visit. It's a limited but important step to reducing the pollution, congestion and health challenges that the city faces. This will make Exeter a better place for all of us to live in".

 

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DaveE128 | 7 years ago
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Sounds like a really sound approach. Let's just hope that they can find someone who can actually design the high quality infrastructure as promised. Even the best infrastructure in the UK (London superhighways) aren't anywhere near as well designed as what is normal in the Netherlands.

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Bidster | 7 years ago
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"Two new" and "direct" might be overstating it. One is an existing route that curves into the centre that should have some of its gaps/worst bits improved. The other will wiggle its way through the back streets. The money has only been found for detailed planning to create 'shovel - ready' plans. As far as we can tell  tere is no actual 'shovel' money as such yet. It is however a limited step in the right direction.

 

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PennineRider | 7 years ago
2 likes

A really progressive and excellent idea.

Listening to cyclists, then building what they ask for, might actually be how to create cycling infrastructure that isn't complete bollocks. Fancy that, eh?  1

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LegalFun | 7 years ago
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This makes sense...
 

When I want to get somewhere quick, for example when commuting, I might take the quick route. Knock off a mile or so but be near more pollution and slightly higher risk due to being near lorries etc.

When I want to pootle into town for a coffee on a weekend with friends/family I can take a quiter route through the park, down quiet side roads and maybe via dedicated off-road trails as I wouldnt mind the extra mile or two just for the peace and quiet

Luckily this is kind of what has happened in the Moreton Hall estate in Bury St Edmunds.

I can cycle on the shared use pavement down the main road and cross over at roundabouts or take the off-road path through trees, past the primary school and cross under the road near the roundabout and both paths meet near a bridge over the A14 before flowing downhill past another school into the town centre,

Hopefully we can force all developers to put in similar infrastructure?

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