Ivybridge residents benefit from major Route 2 cycling and walking upgrade

A busy stretch of the National Cycle Network in Ivybridge has been upgraded to make it safer and easier for people walking, wheeling and cycling.

Improvements were carried out on a 250-metre section of Route 2 along Cornwood Road, between Woodland Road and the A38; a route widely used by local residents, schoolchildren and commuters travelling between Ivybridge and nearby villages.

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The path has been resurfaced and widened to three metres, replacing older narrow and uneven parts that often made passing difficult. 

A wider route is expected to help people using wheelchairs, mobility aids, pushchairs and bikes to travel with more confidence.

As part of the project, the crossing at Westover Lane has been redesigned to improve visibility and protect people crossing the road. 

A new zebra crossing has also been installed on Cornwood Road, giving pedestrians and cyclists a safer point to cross a section that is usually busy with traffic.

New restrictions on pavement parking have been introduced at the same time. These aim to prevent vehicles from blocking the route, which has previously been a problem for people who rely on step-free access.

ABOVE: The new zebra crossing gives lots of space for people on foot, wheelchairs and cycles (Credit: Jonathan Dixon/Walk Wheel Cycle Trust)

Jonathan Dixon, project manager at the Walk Wheel Cycle Trust, said the changes were designed to tackle long-standing concerns raised by people who use the route daily.

“We wanted to improve this section of path, as it is very busy with motor traffic, and could feel quite dangerous. There were also several narrow and uneven sections, and parked cars further restricted the path width,” he said.

“It’s now a much smoother and more spacious path for everyone. The improved crossings will help all abilities to feel safer navigating this busy road, whether on foot, wheelchair or cycle.”

The work was carried out by the Walk Wheel Cycle Trust in partnership with Devon County Council, with funding from National Highways. 

The project forms part of a wider programme to improve safety and accessibility across the National Cycle Network.

Ed Halford, National Highways Route Manager, said the organisation wants to support safer everyday travel around communities connected to the road network.

“We’re committed to significantly improving safety across our road network, and the new and improved crossing will make it much easier and safer for a variety of users, including cyclists, travelling around Ivybridge,” he explained.

“At National Highways, our work goes beyond operating, maintaining and improving roads and through our designated funding, we’re investing in the environment and communities surrounding our network, as well as the people travelling and working on it.”

Local councillors say the improvements will help link neighbourhoods more safely and encourage more people to choose walking or cycling for short journeys.