Proposals to build a £1.73million segregated cycle route along Cumberland Way and part of Pinhoe Road in Exeter, have been approved by Devon County Council’s ruling Cabinet (September 13)
Work on the 900m-long route, stretching from the Tithebarn Link Road/Cumberland Way Roundabout to southwest of the Pinhoe Trading Estate, is scheduled to start next month and to be completed next summer.
The plans follow a public consultation and represent the first phase of a strategic cycle network for Exeter, which was endorsed by the Cabinet in June.
The aim is to deliver a series of primary cycle routes all connecting key growth and development areas in the City to homes schools, the hospital, university and the city centre.
The Cumberland Way scheme is the first phase of a route which will eventually link to the city centre and university.
Most of the route will segregate pedestrians and motorists - a kerbed buffer island will protect cyclists from passing vehicles. The cycle track will wide enough for bicycles to travel in both directions,
A separate pedestrian footway will discourage pedestrians from encroaching on the cycle track and vice versa.
Only short sections of the path will be shared by pedestrians and cyclists. These will predominantly be at crossings and junctions and wide enough for both pedestrians and cyclists to use at the same time.
The scheme will be paid for through Devon County Council’s Local Transport Plan budget, developer contributions and the Government’s National Productivity Investment Fund.
Councillor Stuart Hughes, Devon County Council’s Cabinet Member for Highways, said: “Cycling is becoming more popular in Exeter as a leisure activity and is increasingly been seen as a viable alternative to car travel by commuters.
“Within four years we want to double the number of journeys to work by bike. High quality routes like this will help us meet this target, and reduce traffic congestion.
“We are creating a first class environment for cycling, where cyclists of all abilities and ages feel they can enjoy a bike ride in safety.”
Councillor Andrew Leadbetter, Devon County Council’s Cabinet Member with Special Responsibility for Exeter, said: “This scheme will be of the highest quality. The designers have been drawing from ideas, guidance and best practice for from across the world.
“This route will set the standard for future routes and help provide better access to the city centre, improve people’s health and reaffirm Exeter’s status as progressive, sustainable cycling city.”