Our cabinet approved plans for a new cycleway along Rifford Road in Exeter this week.
The two-way route will be segregated from traffic, and will run for approximately 700m along the east side of Rifford Road, between the junctions with Honiton Road and Ludwell Lane.
The scheme will also benefit people walking, as new and improved crossings will be provided. A number of side-roads will be narrowed, likely reducing the speed of vehicles turning into the roads and improving comfort for people using wheelchairs or pushing pushchairs.
Currently there is no dedicated provision for cyclists along Rifford Road, which carries approximately 7,000 vehicles per day and may not be suitable for less confident cyclists. Work is ongoing to design sections that will link the planned scheme to Burnthouse Lane at the southern end and to Sweetbrier Lane at the northern end.
Once complete, the cycleway will form a crucial part of the north-south strategic cycle route E12. This route connects Whipton and Heavitree with Wonford and Marsh Barton, linking Exeter residents to employment, green spaces and railway stations.
The scheme will be made possible by removing the central hatching that currently exists along the Rifford Road, and shifting across the traffic lanes and parking.
Two-way traffic will be retained along the entirety of Rifford Road, along with the majority of parking spaces. The existing footway kerbs will be removed and extended into the carriageway to create the space for the two-way cycle track. The cycle track will be delivered at footway level, but will be largely segregated from the footway, using a raised kerb and differentiated colouring.
The plans follow a public consultation in March/April 2022. Of those who responded, almost 60 per cent said that they would use the route if built.
The route is intended to be constructed later in the year.
Councillor Stuart Hughes, Devon County Council’s Cabinet Member for Highway Management, said:
“This route will form the next section of the north-south strategic E12 cycle route and will enable people to travel actively to access jobs, schools and leisure opportunities.
“The design of the route fully segregates pedestrians from cyclists, and cyclists from cars, providing an attractive route for all, including for less confident cyclists.
“Once completed it will help achieve the target laid out the Exeter Transport Strategy of 50 per cent all trips within the city to be made by walking and cycling by 2030.”
Councillor Marina Asvachin, the local member for Wonford & St Loyes, said:
“I’m delighted that this scheme has finally been given the go ahead. The connection across Exeter of all the cycle routes is extremely important, both from a safety aspect and an environmental one. Thank you to all the officers and members of the public who have helped this aspiration become a reality.”
