Exeter's Dryden Road Cycling Controversy: Funding Approved to Reopen Road to Motorists Amidst Campaigner Opposition

Navigating Urban Mobility: The Battle for Dryden Road

Exeter's Dryden Road: A Flashpoint in Urban Planning

Active travel proponents in Exeter are mounting a legal challenge against a forthcoming Traffic Regulation Order that aims to reinstate vehicle access to Dryden Road. This thoroughfare, which has been exclusively for cyclists since the pandemic, is slated for reopening without adequate provisions to safeguard cyclists, campaigners contend. They argue this decision will compromise safety for vulnerable road users.

The Saga of Dryden Road's Traffic Restrictions

The protracted and often contentious debate surrounding Dryden Road's future is reaching a critical juncture. Next month, Exeter's Highways and Traffic Orders Committee (HATOC) is scheduled to deliberate on a new configuration for the road. Should it receive approval, a Traffic Regulation Order will be enacted, dismantling current traffic barriers and incorporating some form of active travel infrastructure, initiating a 28-day public consultation on the design.

The Genesis of 'Cycles Only' on Dryden Road

Dryden Road, situated southeast of Exeter's city center and adjacent to the Royal Devon and Exeter hospital, was designated a 'cycles only' route during the pandemic. The council implemented bollards to restrict motor vehicle access, with the stated aim of fostering a safer environment for those cycling. This restriction was made permanent in 2022, as Devon County Council sought to sustain reduced traffic volumes and enhance safety for cyclists.

Community Divisions Over Road Access

The permanent closure ignited a sustained protest from segments of the community who vehemently opposed the decision. Their campaign involved demonstrations and online discourse, culminating in a petition advocating for Dryden Road's reopening, which garnered approximately 2,500 signatures. Conversely, cycling advocates in Exeter assert that the 'cycles only' designation has created a low-conflict, vital link to the city center, circumventing heavily trafficked routes, while simultaneously reducing accidents and improving air quality.

Reopening Road to Motorists: A Controversial Decision

Despite objections from campaigners regarding the lack of protected space for cyclists and pedestrians in the proposed reopening, Devon County councillors voted in July to lift the motor vehicle ban. Concurrently, they resolved to expand the area's 20mph zone and to implement traffic calming measures along with enhanced walking and cycling provisions. The council maintains that establishing a protected bike route while maintaining two-way traffic is financially prohibitive and logistically unfeasible due to the road's dimensions, necessitating the removal of a retaining wall and encroachment upon private property for sufficient space.

Legal Recourse and Crowdfunding Efforts

The Exeter Cycling Campaign announced last month its initiation of a public crowdfunding initiative to finance a legal challenge against the council's decision. Having exhausted conventional democratic avenues, the campaign intends to lodge legal objections to the impending Traffic Regulation Order. James Diamond, chair of the Exeter Cycling Campaign, stated that while collaboration has always been their preference, stronger action is now deemed essential. Active Travel England has also identified the proposed changes as posing a 'Critical Safety Issue' due to an elevated risk of collisions between cyclists and motorists. The crowdfunding effort has successfully raised over £10,000, securing backing from legal firm Leigh Day and Cycling UK's 'Cyclists Defence Fund'.

Funding Approval and Future Consultations

This past Tuesday, the Devon and Torbay Combined County Authority unanimously approved £500,000 to facilitate the removal of the modal filter on Dryden Road, as part of its 2026/27 Transport Capital Programme. The authority also agreed to conduct a public consultation to devise a solution that addresses local traffic concerns while preserving safe, appealing routes for pedestrians and cyclists. The £500,000, classified as an 'active travel' scheme, will predominantly be sourced from highways funding via the government's Local Transport Consolidated Funding. In January, Exeter's Highways and Traffic Orders Committee confirmed an allocation of £55,000 from Active Travel England to support public consultation and ongoing work, with the total project cost anticipated to be £650,000.

Impending Decisions and Sustained Advocacy

The proposed designs for the new road layout are scheduled for release in early October, followed by consideration and a vote at the next HATOC meeting on October 12, attended by representatives from both Exeter City Council and Devon County Council. Delays in the Traffic Regulation Order's publication are reportedly due to internal council concerns regarding potential legal challenges to their designs. Following approval, a 21-day consultation period for the TRO will commence. Should no objections be submitted, work is slated to begin in the new year. However, the Exeter Cycling Campaign has indicated its intent to leverage this consultation period to launch its legal challenge, striving to maintain Dryden Road's safety. A campaign spokesperson highlighted the council's expenditure of half a million pounds to reverse changes that enhanced local street safety and reduced congestion. Edward Pickering, vice-chair of the Exeter Cycling Campaign, previously lamented the proposed removal of the traffic filter as 'sacrificing cyclists' safety for the sole benefit of drivers,' particularly criticizing the use of active travel funds for this purpose. He expressed dismay over the perceived lack of protected space for cyclists, deeming the situation a 'disgrace.' The campaign, supported by a crowdfunded legal fund and expert legal advice, remains steadfast in its resolve to ensure Dryden Road remains safe for all users.