We’re asking for your views on proposals to create a walking and cycling route between Crediton and Exeter.
From Tuesday 1 October until Saturday 30 November we are inviting the public to view the plans and provide feedback on our Have Your Say webpage.
This route, known as the Boniface Trail, would serve communities in Crediton, Newton St Cyres, Cowley and Exeter, with the aim of enabling active and sustainable travel.
It is one of ten potential routes included in the Countywide Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan, which is subject to a separate engagement.
The Boniface Trail engagement presents two options for the route, one mostly using off-road paths and running alongside the A377 road, and the other using existing lanes and upgraded Public Rights of Way to the north of the A377.
The A377 alignment would be more direct, but would be significantly more costly to construct, so would likely take much longer to deliver. In contrast, the Quiet Lanes option would use less expensive measures, such as signage, traffic calming and speed limit reductions, to make existing lanes more suitable for people walking and cycling.
Both options are intended to serve Exeter St Davids railway station, increasing opportunities for journeys involving rail and walking/cycling.
Councillor Stuart Hughes, Devon County Council’s Cabinet member for Highways Management, said:
“This is a good opportunity for local residents to comment on these proposals for a new multi-use trail which, once funding becomes availbale, would add to the county’s growing walking and cycling network and we’re keen to hear their feedback. The results of the consultation will help us identify which route is preferred by local people.
“Devon County Council has a strong track record of delivering improvements to walking and cycling routes that connect local communities to Exeter and this route would support our ongoing commitment to developing a network of traffic-free, multi-use trails that provide access for all and promotes healthy, active travel habits.”
Councillor Frank Letch, the local member for Crediton, said:
“This trail would provide a safe cycling and walking route from Crediton via Newton St Cyres, Cowley to Exeter St Davids. It would mean that those commuting or traveling for pleasure can do so actively and sustainably.
“It’s routes like this that will be essential if we as a council are to achieve our goals on improving people’s health and wellbeing and reducing carbon emissions and I urge local people to contribute to the consultation.”
Councillor Margaret Squires, the local member for Creedy, Taw & Mid Exe, said;
“This is an opportunity for local people to influence the route of Boniface Trail a direct cycle and walking link into the heart of Exeter, and we want to know which of the two routes you prefer. The more people who respond the better idea we will have to which scheme is most suitable for local people.
“If you want to know more about the differences between the two proposals, I would encourage you to look at the website and sign up for the webinar.”
At 18:00-19:00 on 9 October we’ll be holding a webinar, comprising of a presentation following by questions and answers, to give people the opportunity to find out more. To register for the event, please email transportplanning@devon.gov.uk.
You can give your views by answering a short survey on DCC’s Have Your Say webpage. Paper copies of the survey can be provided on request.
No funding has been identified to physically deliver the route, and both options would require significant further design work and liaison with landowners and other stakeholders. However, we would like the local community to indicate their preferred option at this stage, to inform our next steps.
The proposals have been developed using government funding awarded to Devon County Council through the Active Travel Capability Fund.