Summary of cycling engagement proposals

These show the improved surface markings, signage and safety at junctions along the National Cycle Network route through the centre of Newton Abbot, increased cycle parking provision and alteration of the pedestrian crossing outside the rail station to a crossing suitable for pedestrians and cyclists.

 A feedback survey was made available online as part of the engagement process, and 66 people responded via the online survey.

Summary of the cycling proposals feedback:

• Just over 70% of respondents agree or strongly agree with the need for improvements to the national cycle network route, whereas just over 25% disagree or strongly disagree with this
• 70% of respondents support the need for the pedestrian road crossing outside the rail station to be modified for pedestrian and cyclists use; and the need for a quiet off-road route via Devon Square, whereas almost 25% do not support this
• Almost 70% of respondents agree that improvements are needed to the cycling lane via Cricketfield: widening and surface markings, and the need for improved junction safety for cyclists at Albany Street – Cricketfield Road, whereas just under 25% do not support this
• Almost 70% of respondents support Stop signs and surface markings at the northern end of Albany Street to make the cycle priority there clearer, whereas a little under 20% do not support this
• Almost 65% of respondents support improved road markings and access for cyclists onto Victoria Gardens off-road cycle route, from Kingsteignton Road, whereas almost 25% of respondents to not support this
• Just over 70% of respondents agree with changing the signposts at Sherborne Road to show it is for ‘local buses and cyclists only’ (currently ‘local buses only’), whereas almost 25% of respondents do not support this
• Almost 75% of respondents support better signage to show the on-road cycle route between Sherborne Road and ASDA, and the same amount agree with increasing cycle parking provision at key locations, whereas a little under 20% do not support this
• Almost 75% of respondents support more cycle parking in the town centre, whereas almost 15% do not support this
• Just over 65% of respondents support the need for improvements for pedestrians and cyclists on Marsh Road, whereas a little over 15% do not support this
• Almost 55% of respondents understood and accepted the constraints for a contra-flow on Queen Street and the width capacity any uplift being needed for pedestrian realm via pavement widening for shoppers (cycle parking is uplifted along Queen Street via the proposals, and permeability via Lemon Road), whereas just over 20% do not support this
• Almost 25% of respondents use their bicycle for shopping in Newton Abbot at least a few times per month, whereas a little over 55% do not currently use their bicycle for shopping
• A little under 60% of respondents said they would use their bicycle for shopping more often, or would take-up cycling for shopping trips, if the links are improved and cycle parking increased, whereas a little under 25% said they would not.

Changes proposed as a result of feedback

• Most respondents would like to see a contraflow to link Devon Square into the national cycle network. This has been added into the Queen Street plan. More respondents preferred the Lemon Road option but about a third preferred The Avenue option. This will be looked at in more detail as part of the detailed design plan preparation. Lemon Road is more difficult to achieve a safe design and if it isn’t feasible then The Avenue will be reviewed in detail for shared-use potential between St. Paul’s Road and Lemon Place
• Speed bumps have been excluded from the Marsh Road proposal, as this could potentially form a barrier for less physically mobile pedestrians, as pedestrians utilise on-road space here. The 20 mph limit proposal has been retained, to help ensure low speeds.