Increased use of walking and cycle trails

Devon’s walking and cycle trails have seen increased use this year and with routes continuing to be busy during the current lockdown, the County Council is encouraging everyone to give each other plenty of space.

Compared with last year, the number of cycle trips recorded in 2020 has increased by 153% on the Exe Estuary Trail between Exmouth and Lympstone, 63% at Dawlish Warren, 36% at Meldon Viaduct, 53% on the rural sections of the Tarka Trail and 43% at Fremington Quay near Barnstaple.

The County Council is reminding everyone of its “Share this Space” campaign and is asking people to take extra care when using trails across the county.

Councillor Stuart Hughes, Devon County Council Cabinet Member for Highway Management, said: “It’s excellent to see more people using our off-road walking and cycle trails, and they're being well used during this latest lockdown. The paths provide a great opportunity for people to get outdoors and boost health and wellbeing, but it’s important that people make sure they give each other plenty of room. Providing others with a bit more time and extra space can help everyone enjoy themselves while they’re out and about. We would just ask everyone to be alert, be patient and be courteous to each other.”

The “Share this Space” advice for road users and shared-path users includes:

Cyclists are asked to please pass walkers slowly and carefully, letting people know you’re there and giving them space;
Dog walkers on shared paths are asked to keep dogs under close control on a short lead;
Pedestrians are asked to check for traffic if they are stepping into the road to maintain a social distance;
Drivers and motorcyclists are asked to be considerate and to give vulnerable road users such as cyclists and horse-riders extra space (two metres if possible) when passing them.
Also be aware of the possibility of pedestrians stepping into the road for social distancing;

For more information go to https://www.traveldevon.info/cycle/safe-cycling/share-this-space/