Devon praised for encouraging cycling
Published by George Dawson Posted: 25/04/13
Devon has been highlighted in the All Party Parliamentary Group’s “Get Britain
Cycling” inquiry report.
Devon County Council’s Head of Highways Lester Willmington addressed the
inquiry in Westminster in February to detail how more people have been
encouraged to cycle in Devon.
Devon County Council features in the report for helping to encourage around
a 15% growth in average daily cycle trips across the whole county, and over 40%
growth in Exeter over the past five years. During this time, countywide traffic
levels fell by 1.5% and in Exeter they fell by 5.4%.
One of Devon’s flagship routes, the Exe Estuary Trail, has seen annual
cycle trips increase from around 70,000 in 2009 to more than 110,000 by 2012,
an increase of 59%. Since 2007 over 20,000 children across Devon have received
Bikeability training in the county and funding for 2013 will enable a further
7,000 children to receive training which improves their skills and confidence.
Through its Devon Cycling Strategy, the County Council has also committed
to a further £13.9 million investment programme to 2015 to continue development
of key cycle routes.
Zsolt Schuller, Devon County Council’s Strategic Sustainable Travel
Officer, said: “Investing in cycling makes sense on so many levels. It improves
health, its non-polluting, helps ease congestion in our built up areas and
boosts the economy. There is a real momentum behind cycling and we’re pleased
that the improvements made across Devon have been successful in getting more
people cycling more often, and that is recognised in this report.
“There is still, however, a considerable amount of work to do and we are
continuing to work with communities to provide new routes and facilities so
that more and more people can choose cycling for everyday journeys and for
leisure.“
And from last year:
Cycling vision for Devon
Posted on: 9 July 2012
A vision for the
future of cycling in Devon was approved by Devon County Council’s Cabinet
today. (Wednesday 11 July)
Councillors confirmed
their commitment to cycling by supporting the key priorities and future
proposals of the Devon Cycling Strategy.
The report considered
by Cabinet today set out a number of recommendations, which were all approved
by members. These included:
> Agreement in principle to continued
investment in important strategic infrastructure projects, subject to future
budget considerations;
> Supporting the promotion of cycling to
encourage greater use of the county’s cycling assets;
> In principle agreement to continue
investment in events, such as the Tour of Britain and Dartmoor Classic, which
are of economic benefit to Devon.
The Devon Cycling
Strategy will plan for continued investment over the next five years.
Consultation on the document is due to start later this month to enable the
public and relevant bodies to contribute to the aims of the strategy before it
is published later this year..
The Council is already
investing £13.9million on cycle infrastructure to 2015, supplemented with
additional funding through the Local Sustainable Transport Fund, developer
contributions and other grants. The draft programme of schemes includes links
from Sidford to Sidbury, Knowle to Willingcott in Barnstaple and Newton Abbot
to Torbay and Bovey Tracey.
The Cabinet report
highlighted cycling’s positive impact on the county’s economy – with Devon
recognised as a prime destination for cycling holidays and breaks. Cycling in
Devon is promoted through the Tour of Britain, which showcases the county to a
worldwide TV audience and helps to inspire local people to take up cycling.
Last year alone saw the event bring more than £3million into the local economy.
It is also championing
cycling at a senior level of the authority, with Devon County Council’s Cabinet
Member for Highways and Transportation Councillor Stuart Hughes, responsible
for cycling.
Councillor Hughes
said: “We are already demonstrating that we are a leading authority when it
comes to cycling and cycle safety, with a commitment from officers and members.
The aim of the Devon Cycling Strategy is to build on our foundations to create
a first class environment for cycling, where people of all ages and abilities
have the opportunity to enjoy cycling safely whether it’s for their health,
leisure or everyday journeys. Cycling has positive impacts on the local
economy, improving health, reducing carbon emissions and protecting the
environment.”
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