New Sidmouth cycle route in focus

PROPOSALS to extend Sidmouth’s cycle route to Woolbrook will be presented to town councillors on Monday.

The project would see the link connect residential areas with the primary school and college.

Improved cycle parking facilities at the schools and shops are also in the pipeline.

Driving forces at Devon County Council (DCC) want to encourage more children to cycle to school, and also see better facilities – including bus stops – for pedestrians going from the Byes to the town centre.

The scheme could form the first part of a future cycle route, running from Sidmouth to Ottery St Mary, then to Feniton – subject to future funding.

A report to Sidmouth Town Council says: “Further work and local consultation would be required on a detailed design, but the main elements would be a cycle route linking the Byes and Woolbrook Road via Lymebourne Lane, Lymebourne Park, a crossing of the A375 (either signalised or a zebra) and a widened path through Long Park.

“Additional secure cycle parking facilities would be provided at the primary school sites and at the college. Further cycle parking facilities could also be provided to serve the Woolbrook area shops.

“This scheme builds on the existing route including the planned extension to Sidbury, the recently constructed link into the college from the Byes and the soon to be implemented additional cycle parking in the town centre, all funded by the county council.”

It was decided by the town and district councils in December that £100,000 of community cash, from developments in the area, will be spent on improvements to cycling around Sidmouth.

These will include a route linking some residential areas with Woolbrook, allowing youngsters easier cycling to school and college.