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Exeter Cycle Network

Exeter is building a good reputation for cycling, which is increasingly seen as an attractive leisure activity and a viable alternative to car travel. In comparison to national figures (2%), the 2011 census data showed the average proportion of people walking and cycling to work in Exeter was 6%.

The County Council’s Cycling and Multi-Use Trail Network Strategy outlined targets to increase the percentage of journeys to work by bike to 12% by the next census in 2021. High-quality routes which provide links between growing residential areas and new and existing employment sites will help to meet this target and allow better access to the city centre for employment, retail, improved access to education, and encourage more leisure trips.

In line with the priorities outlined in the Council’s Cycling and Multi-Use Trail Network Strategy, a network of proposed cycle routes was put forward in 2015. For the Exeter strategic cycle routes, it was agreed that the cycle routes E3 and E4 and E9 were seen as key primary cycle routes as they connect areas of growth and development east of the city with schools, hospital, local centres, University and the city centre.

The following document displays the Exeter Strategic Cycle Routes.

The first of the strategic routes being developed in Exeter is the E4 route. Work started in 2017 on this 5km route which links the Redhayes Bridge to the University and the city centre.

The design of this route is ambitious and provides a step change in the quality of walking and cycling infrastructure across the city. The route will segregate pedestrians, cyclists and vehicular traffic where possible.

Phase 3 of the cycle route works for E4 (Summer Lane Bridge) are now complete.

Phase 4 is the latest section of the E4 cycle route that is being progressed. It includes cycle and pedestrian improvements across the Stoke Hill Roundabout, Union Road and Pennsylvania Road.

A consultation was recently held, and all consultation material can be found on the Devon County Council consultation website. The full consultation report is available here, and a shorter version of the report is available here.

This website will be kept up to date with the latest developments on the scheme.

E4 Cycle Route: Overview plan

Overview plan showing the phases of the improvements to the E4 cycle route in Exeter.