Cycling upgrade in Newton Abbot

Improvements to half mile of track

Improvements to the cycling network through Newton Abbot have been agreed but could be amended slightly following comments by councillors.

The package of around 900 metres of small enhancements includes better signage, a short length of two-way segregated cycle track through Cricketfield Road car park, changes along Marsh Road, and junction improvements.

They are likely to be in place by next spring or summer and are in line with the local cycle and walking infrastructure plan, linking into Town Quay and connections to Asda, Bradley Lane, Bakers Park and beyond.

At a cost of £134,000, the project is the first to be financed under the government’s Future High Streets fund. A consultation in June 2020 found around 70 per cent of respondents backing improvements to the national cycle network in the town.

However, whilst the Teignbridge highways and traffic order committee agreed to proceed, some concerns were raised about certain aspects. Further discussions will now take place on how to resolve them.

While Councillor Phil Bullivant (Conservative, Newton Abbot North) called it “a scheme worth investing in” he had some “issues of detail” including how cyclists and pedestrians were to be segregated along Sherborne Road near the bus station, and what impact it would have for parking along Marsh Road.

Councillor Alistair Dewhirst (Lib Dem, Ipplepen & The Kerswells) agreed and thought more signage should be put in along Sherborne Road. He also suggested an improved design at Albany Street “to define that busy junction.”

Chair of the committee Councillor Martin Wrigley (Lib Dem, Dawlish) said at one point: “I can’t support this as it stands” and called for a redesign of the areas on Sherborne Road, Albany Street and the Cricketfield car park exit “to make it much clearer for cars, pedestrians and cyclists.”

But after hearing that separate future schemes could include improvements to Albany Street and Sherborne Road, and that Cllr Wrigley could work with officers to address the issues in his role of chairman, he agreed along with the rest of the committee to proceed with the scheme.