Improvements to Exeter cycle routes set to be discussed
Published: 13 October 2020
The city's Lead Councillor for Net Zero Exeter 2030 has welcomed proposals to improve provision for cycling and pedestrians in Exeter.
Cllr Rachel Sutton, Deputy Leader of the City Council, said a series of measures due to be discussed by members of the Exeter HATOC (Highways and Transport Orders Committee) would provide a big boost for active travel in the city.
On Tuesday, HATOC will consider a number of proposals for implementing or continuing traffic measures that enable more connected and accessible ‘active travel’ routes around the city.
The changes suggested relate to a number of different wards across Exeter and take advantage of recent changes to enable councils to be more agile in trying out changes to streets.
For example, Devon County Council propose putting in temporary ‘pop up’ measures to make some streets pedestrian and cycle only, inviting the community to give feedback to find out if the temporary changes should be made permanent, altered, or taken away.
Cllr Sutton said: “Anything we can do to support people to cycle and walk more in our city is very welcome. We have an ambitious and vitally important plan to make Exeter carbon neutral by 2030 and making it easier and safer for people to use their cars less is a major step in that process.
“I’d encourage anyone living or working in areas where there are consultations to engage with these. It’s really important that people give their views and insight as part of this trial process, and that they do it through the official channels so that their voice can be counted and their feedback and ideas considered.
“I’m very pleased to support proposals for these temporary changes to highways, as we work to find out what the best solutions are for our residents, commuters, visitors and city as a whole.”
The trial changes to Exeter’s streets and highways through these ‘pop up’ measures could help towards Exeter’s vision for the future, by creating greater access to public green spaces, reducing congestion and increasing physically active travel as well as playing a part in our journey towards Zero Carbon.