Torquay cycling path scrapped in regeneration scheme
Cycling Campaigner says it will affect cyclist's safety
Last updated 4th Aug 2024
Torquay's cycle path along the Strand will be scrapped for Torbay Council's multi million-pound regeneration plans.
The redevelopment will see a new £4 million seaside resort.
Torbay Council said it had to move the location of planned trees after identifying water pipes underground, and that meant there was no room for the cycle path on the Strand.
Chris Lewis, cabinet member for place development on Torbay Council said he is confident cyclists will be pleased with the end result
Cyclist campaigner, Beth Huntley, is furious as there's 'no alternative plan'. Cyclists will now have to use 'a busy single-lane road' instead. She's started an e-petition for change.
"Just to scrap it and not put anything in its place is not good enough. Unfortunately it does feed this narrative that Torbay Council don't care about cyclists. I think we need to do more for future generations and just to get more people cycling.
"This pavement is going to be 8 metres wide. I don't understand why we can't have a section of shared use.
"So many people tell me they don't feel cycling. If you build cycling infrastructure, people use it. It massively increases the number of people who feel confident to cycle.
Before the redevelopment, the road was two lanes in both directions, which made it easier for cyclists to use, according to Ms Huntley.
The new scheme means cyclists would be "in direct conflict with motorists" who are also going to be "frustrated".
"Cyclists might be the minority, but it's going to affect everyone.
Torbay Council states on its website that it is "working to improve the environment so that active travel is better supported by the infrastructure in Torbay over the long term".
Chris Lewis, the Conservative cabinet member for economic growth on Torbay Council, said it was a question of keeping the trees or keeping the cycle lane.
He said a new 20mph speed limit would be introduced and the road would be "a lot safer than before".
The £4m scheme is being funded with part of the £21.9m awarded to Torquay through the government's Towns Fund.
Torbay Council said the Strand would have to close again at some point after the summer holidays for more work to be carried out, with the whole scheme due to be completed in the autumn.