Sidmouth Cycling Campaign was formed in August 2022 to push for improvements to encourage cycling in the Sid Valley.
Devon County Elections – May 2025
4 candidates are standing for election in May to the Sidmouth Ward of Devon County Council. We asked them: “Please can you let us know what you intend to do, if elected, to encourage Active Travel in the Sid Valley.”
We have received the following replies:
Denise Bickley – Liberal Democrats
I am a great supporter of active travel. I feel that DCC could be far more brave when it comes to putting the required infrastructure in place. Currently we just need to sort out potholes as I fear for cyclists and can’t see how we can possibly encourage people on to roads, and as our bike paths do not link up effectively with anywhere else it cuts the valley off somewhat.
In a perfect world we would have buses that work for the people, like ones I have seen abroad particularly in Canada, with bike racks on the front in order for people to get around effectively. However this is so far from where we are at the moment. Even getting extra static bike racks seems to require huge effort at the moment. I am very hopeful that should I get in, and should we have a majority, we would have a council that works with other councils and our MP, and can have a comprehensive review of firstly highways and finances, and secondly climate action progress, and this should help formulate a better plan to encourage people out of cars. Wouldn’t a traffic management plan for Sidmouth also make perfect sense?
I would be grateful for any research you have had, regarding how to promote active travel better in the area, and happy to discuss it with you at some point after May 2nd if things go to plan!
Stuart Hughes – Local Conservatives.
I remain committed to championing the Sidford to Sidbury section of the Sid Valley Multiuse Trail and advocating for further Active Travel funding. This trail is a key priority in the Local Cycling, Walking, and Wheeled Infrastructure Plan, and the first stage has already received planning permission. Additionally, I will prioritize the Sidmouth section of the Otter Trail, which includes the construction of a new bridge over the A3052 to Bowd. Funding for this project will be sourced from future housing developments. To further enhance connectivity and transportation, I will support the introduction of Park & Change facilities and regular “around-town” hopper bus services.
I am dedicated to implementing the requested 20 mph zones throughout the town, including areas such as the Esplanade, Fortescue/Sid Road, Salcombe Hill, and the Temple Street local centre.
Building on the Active Travel funding I secured for the Woolbrook Road school crossing, I will pursue additional improvements. These include upgrading the Sidford Road zebra crossing to a light-controlled facility and installing another crossing near Primley Road. A safer crossing for all users at Milford Road from the Byes is also a high priority on my Active Travel improvement list.
Finally, I will continue the programme to replace pavers with asphalt, reducing trip hazards for pedestrians of all ages.
Suzanne Bullock – Labour Party. Awaiting reply
Basil Herbert – Reform UK. Awaiting reply
Recent activity:
We objected to the proposed Sidford to Sidbury cycleway on the grounds of safety. Although we fully support the principal of a safe route from Sidford to Sidbury, the current Devon County Proposal includes a dangerous exit through Hillside onto the main road. However, following a site visit Devon County Council have now approved the proposed route.
We’ve commented on the East Devon Local Plan Consultation. Details can be found here: Sidmouth Cycling Campaign: Response to consultation on East Devon Draft Local Plan
See our regular posts on our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/sidmouthcyclingcampaign
Annual Report
Our Annual Report for 2023/24 was presented to the VGS AGM on Wednesday 20th November 2024 and can be found here: https://visionforsidmouth.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/2024-SCC-Annual-Report.pdf
Questionnaire Results
We had 185 responses to our questionnaire and the results are summarised here: Questionnaire Report Mar 2023
The detailed responses can be found in the Appendicies: Appendix 1 Questionnaire Report Mar 2023 Appendix 2 Questionnaire Report Mar 2023 Appendix 3 Questionnaire Report Mar 2023
Membership
Membership is open and the contribution of all local residents is sought for and appreciated.
The Campaign is led by half-a-dozen enthusiastic cyclists, who have experience in working for better cycling facilities in Devon, as well as other parts of the country.
The group members also have good working and long standing relationship with other organisations, including:
- Sustrans, the leading body promoting cycling and sustainable transport in the UK
- Sid Valley Cycling Club, Sidmouth’s group of keen cyclists
- Exeter Cycling Campaign, a very active group in the county-town
- Cycling UK, “the UK charity inspiring millions more people to cycle providing skills, motivation, advice, and support to enable everyone to ride a bike”
If you would like to get involved please email us: sidmouthcyclingcampaign@gmail.com
Other key information:
You can find the Cycling Archive here with articles and issues from 2008 to 2022.
The 2018 County Council report is available here: Sidmouth and East Devon cycle network study > now available
Read about Sid Valley Links set up in 2017, together with the Otter Trail.
We are working with the ‘Otter Trail shared use path’ initiative – set up in 2013.
The VGS has been involved in the bigger picture since its inception in 2005: Traffic and Transport – Vision Group for Sidmouth
Keeping safe:
A priority has to be safety when riding a bike.
Here’s a handy guide for drivers: Share the road: cyclist and pedestrian safety awareness for drivers
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