Budleigh Salterton’s anti-seafront cycling campaigners are celebrating a victory after a U-turn decision.
A bid to crack down on illegal esplanade cycling was recently scuppered when Devon County Council (DCC) told the town council new seafront signs enforcing the no-cycling message would not be allowed.
However, the county council this week back-pedalled over its decision, following pressure from district councillor Steve Hall and county councillor Christine Channon.
The county council has revealed the wheels are in motion for no-cycling signs to be added to the seafront next week.
The three rounded stencilled signs will be sprayed onto the path, by the Gentlemen’s Club, the Longboat Caf� and near the Lime Kiln car park.
The U-turn was welcomed by the town council. Members had raised concerns for pedestrian safety.
Ward member councillor Steve Hall this week told Budleigh Salterton Town Council seafront cycling in a ‘controlled way’ was the route forward.
He said the county council was keen, long term, for a complete cycle path – which was likely to incorporate Budleigh’s seafront.
Cllr Hall said: “The only logical way forward is a dividing line allowing a cycling path and a footpath on the other side. I think we should explore that in the future.
“The bigger picture is, we have no real problem with people cycling along the seafront. It should be managed in a completely different way.”
Ward member councillor Tom Wright said educating cyclists in pedestrian safety was the way forward, rather than a total ban.
Cllr Wright said: “We won’t stop cyclists using it, but we need to encourage it in a sensible way.”
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