THE news that £3 million has been earmarked for improving cycle routes in Exeter, has met with a furious reaction from many Teignmouth area cyclists.

Dave Rice, a member of Teign Valley Pedal Bashers, declared: ‘Never mind Exeter, what about the Teign estuary route which we were promised 20 years ago?’

Devon County Council has agreed to invest the £3 million into key strategic cycle routes from the east of Exeter into the city.

Supporting the deal, Cllr Rob Hannaford said: ‘We all know that we have a very fragile traffic system in Exeter. All it takes is a few roadworks or an accident and quite often it grinds to a halt, so it is obvious that we need to put as much money as we can into cycle routes and transport.

‘It is not the case that one day it might grind to a halt, it already does, and it is not for the want of our best efforts to tackle it, but this is a step in the right direction.’

But Mr Rice responded: ‘The A381 between Teignmouth and Newton Abbot is a nightmare for cyclists, especially on the Bishopsteignton bends, and it is getting busier.

‘The estuary route ticks every box, including commuting, leisure and tourism and would be a big boost to the economy in the Teignmouth area. Yet all we have had over the years is chit chat, and little action. The estuary route should be a priority.

‘Exeter is already well served with cycle routes – but Teignmouth has none, apart from a few pathetic yards in Quay Road.

‘We are told that negotiations with landowners are ongoing, but they seem to be dragging on forever. It’s about time the county council used its compulsory purchase powers to get this going. In the menatime they could at least seek planning permission for their approved route from Kingstiegnton to Bishopsteignton.

‘A lot of other cyclists I talk to are fed up with the bulk of the cycling cash always going to Exeter.’

Stuart Hughes, the county cabinet member for highways, also announced that construction will continue this year on the Newton Abbot east-west cycle route which will connect new developments to the town centre, including the new planned Houghton Barton development of around 2,000 new homes.

Teignbridge county councillor Alistair Dewhirst said it was ‘great’ to see what was happening in Newton Abbot, with the investment in cycle routes.

But he added: ‘There is no mention at all of a cycle route to the south west to Totnes, which must be the forgotten land as far as cycling is concerned. You take your life in your hands on the A381 on what must be one of the most dangerous roads anywhere considering the number of potholes and the like.’

Dave Black, head of planning, transportation and environment, revealed that the cycle route between Newton Abbot and Totnes was not in the strategic plan for cycling at the moment, but was under review.

He added: ‘We have very little money for rural cycle routes and we are really struggling to deliver them.’