Bold opening: A quiet road that used to be for drivers only could reopen, but first it must prove it can be safe, accessible, and useful for everyone. And this is where the discussion becomes controversial...
A lengthy debate in Exeter over Dryden Road, which has operated as a cycle-only route since the pandemic, has led the council to start a formal consultation about the possibility of reopening it to all traffic.
What happened: Dryden Road was converted to a cyclists’ priority corridor during the Covid-19 period. Bollards were installed to block general traffic and create a safer space for people on bikes. The measure was made permanent in 2022, with Devon County Council arguing the aim was to keep traffic levels low and improve safety and the riding experience along the route.
Community pushback: The closure has drawn strong opposition from some residents, who have organized protests and online discussions. A Change.org petition calling for the road to be reopened has attracted around 2,500 signatures. Petition organizer Helen Montgomery said there was an opportunity to provide safe alternatives for pedestrians, cyclists, and vehicles, and that the current restrictions have pushed traffic onto narrower nearby streets and congested bus routes, creating unsafe walking routes to local schools and nurseries.
Council response and options: In response to concerns about diverted traffic, the council initiated a review that has now evolved into a formal consultation. Three options are on the table, with the overarching aim of delivering safe, accessible, and attractive walking and cycling routes along Dryden Road, Bovemoors Lane, and the E9 corridor, while addressing local traffic impacts with balanced solutions.
The consultation is open until 12pm on 5 April 2026 and is hosted online at a dedicated planning platform.
Details of the three main options:
- Option 1: Install a bus gate and permit access to authorised vehicles (taxis, waste collections, emergency services). The road would be closed to other motorists, enforced by ANPR cameras, and the speed limit would drop to 20 mph. The council notes this would be the cheapest option.
- Option 2: Maintain the lower speed limit, allow one-way traffic, and introduce a contraflow cycleway.
- Option 3: Restore two-way traffic and install two-way cycling lanes. This option is the most favored by Dryden Road reopen supporters, but it is the costliest—projected to range from £200,000 to £1 million.
An additional proposal, Option 3b, suggests reopening with on-street parking but without the new cycling infrastructure. The council acknowledged that this would provide poor bicycle access and effectively exclude many potential users.
Campaign voices: Local campaigner Ian Frankum, who has long advocated for reopening Dryden Road, described the consultation as the culmination of substantial effort and argued that the road’s width allows room for all users; he believes only Option 3 truly achieves that balance.
Exeter Cycling Campaign’s stance: The campaign told Devon Live that it will encourage residents to participate in the consultation, while carefully reviewing the details to form an informed view. Their stated priorities are safety, connectivity, stakeholder engagement, and ensuring value for money in active travel funding.
Bottom line and invitation: The council is weighing safety, traffic impacts, accessibility, and potential costs as it asks the public to weigh in on whether Dryden Road should reopen and, if so, which layout best serves the community. The outcome could redefine how this major artery accommodates drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians alike.
Thought-provoking question: If you were assessing a similar road closure in your area, would you prioritize keeping traffic calm and bike safety intact, or would you favor restoring two-way traffic with bike facilities even at higher costs? Share your thoughts in the comments.
