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Road closure review and £455k cycle path approved

Miles Davis
BBC Devon political reporter
BBC A red and white no entry sign above a sign saying 'Except cycles' marking the beginning of the section of road on Dryden Lane in Exeter that is closed to cars.BBC
Dryden Lane was first closed to cars in June 2020

A £455,000 cycling path and a review of a road closure intended to improve cyclists' safety in Exeter have both been approved at the same meeting.

Issues around cycle paths and road closures have been prevalent in the city following a controversial low traffic neighbourhood scheme that was introduced and then scrapped in 2024.

The Highways and Traffic Orders Committee (Hatoc) - made up of councillors from both Exeter City Council and Devon County Council - voted unanimously on Tuesday in favour of a scheme to improve the cycle path through Newtown, including closing part of a road to cars.

But members also agreed to review the 2020 closure of Dryden Road, after a petition was submitted.

Stephanie Sanderson is wearing glasses and a grey top with a blue denim blazer-syle jacket buttoned up. She is standing with her bicycle and in front of a blue and white sign with a bicyle and a parent and child which indicates the path is for use by cyclists and pedestrians.
Stephanie Sanderson welcomed the news of improvements to cycling infrastructure

Cyclists welcomed the investment in Newtown's cycling infrastructure.

Stephanie Sanderson said: "It's one of my main routes into town - it takes me five or 10 minutes to get any practical things so I really enjoy it."

The new plans include a contraflow cycle path down Clifton Hill and the closing of a section of Russell Street to cars.

Cyclist Nick Discombe said: "The more the better, to be honest with you.

"I depend on my bike because my knees are gone so yeah, I'm really happy."

Simon Crane wearing a check shirt and standing in front of a 20mph zone sign
Simon Crane said at times it was "chaos" on the streets due to cyclists using pavements

But some members of the public believe there are problems that are caused by cyclists and e-bike users going on pavements in the area.

Coffee shop owner Simon Crane said: "They need to explain their thinking because it's chaos around here.

"They come hurtling down the pavement and they think they're the most important thing in the world and they push innocent civilians walking on the pavement out of the way - it's become a bit of a wild west-type scenario."

Olwen Foggin wearing a green and black patterned dress and a black cardigan. She is also wearing two necklaces and is standing at the bottom of steps leading up to the main entrance of County Hall.
Olwen Foggin delivered a petition to Hatoc members with more than 1,900 signatures calling for Dryden Lane to be reopened

Dryden Road, which runs along the back of the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, was first closed by Devon County Council in June 2020 on a temporary basis and then closed to motor vehicles permanently.

Olwen Foggin, a former Mayor of Exeter, handed in a petition to members of Hatoc with more than 1,900 signatures calling for the road to be reopened.

In its consultation ahead of the permanent closure, the county council said the advantages were providing a low traffic route and "an attractive environment for pedestrians and cyclists".

Mrs Foggin said: "The traffic has actually been dispersed onto the walk-to-school route and I don't think the members of the council have actually looked at this and seen the dangers for the young people."

Members of Hatoc agreed to commission a report from officers and review the impact of the road closure at their next meeting.

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