Tiverton renews hope for safe cycling to Exeter

A decades-long vision of a cycle and shared-use pathway connecting Tiverton and Exeter via Bickleigh gained renewed momentum at the November 25 Tiverton Town Council meeting.

Councillors voiced their unanimous support for the project, which has been in discussion for over 30 years but has yet to see significant progress.

Councillor Chris Berry introduced the motion, saying, “This Council supports the idea of building a cycle/shared-use path between Tiverton and Exeter via Bickleigh, due to the environmental, health and economic benefits it would offer residents and businesses.”

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Highlighting the historical context and recent advocacy efforts, Cllr Berry added: “The cycleway or shared pedestrian path between Tiverton and Exeter via Bickleigh has been deemed an important route for over 25 years now, and no real action has happened. Richard Sommerville has made a detailed presentation to the public in this town, formed a committee to action the plan, and presented it to the climate and resilience group who voted unanimously to recommend that this council supports the project.”

Councillor David Garcia, reflecting on his personal experiences, voiced his support. “I have been cycling to Exeter myself, and I know of the dangers in cycling to Exeter. I believe cycling is beneficial for the environment,” he said.

The motion sparked a broader conversation about the council’s commitment to turning ideas into action.

Councillor Les Cruwys pointed out the historical inertia surrounding the project. “The history of this and the agreement that we all want this to happen goes back three decades. When the neighbourhood plan was put together, there was strong support for cycleways and footpaths, and a lot of time was spent on this.”

Cllr Cruwys expressed concern over the lack of tangible progress, saying, “We've talked about this for many years. We would like to see it done, but we would like to see it in writing somewhere that there was some commitment to doing it. There's been a lot of talk, a lot of pieces of paper filled and collecting dust, and nothing else.”

To emphasize action, Cruwys proposed an amendment to the motion: “I would like the motion amended to say that 'this council reaffirms its support to the building of a cycle shared-use path between Tiverton and Exeter.'”

The revised motion was well-received and unanimously supported by the council.

This renewed push aligns with growing local and national interest in sustainable transportation projects. By reaffirming its commitment, Tiverton Town Council aims to encourage collaboration with the Mid Devon District Council, Devon County Council, and Exeter City Council to finally bring the long-discussed pathway to fruition.