Transport User Voice August 2024 – Riders, walkers and wheelers

01 August 2024

What they want in Devon and Cornwall

Paths alongside roads managed by National Highways provide routes for riders, walkers, and wheelers – taking them to places that it would otherwise be impossible to access using ‘active’ modes of transport. So how can National Highways make these routes more appealing and accessible?

Findings from our new research indicate that properly maintaining pathways is vital to get communities in Devon and Cornwall involved in active travel and to enable essential journeys.

We have recommended that National Highways invest in improving safety for these road users by providing more routes which are segregated from traffic – whether that is a separate path or a physical barrier. It should also provide accessible crossing points and increase parapet heights on bridges, particularly for horse riders to reduce the risk of a fall.

The maintenance of infrastructure also played a crucial role, with many commenting that poor lighting and upkeep of pathways were causes for concern. We recommended that National Highways invest in lighting to improve visibility, resurface paths where needed, and provide waste bins along paths at regular intervals.

To enhance accessibility for mobility impaired walkers, walkers with prams, and wheelers, the research suggested reducing the gradients of paths where possible, providing step-free access where appropriate, widening footpaths and providing dropped kerbs.

What did users tell us?

“Traffic moves too quickly and a separate trail to Moorswater is needed to allow safe access for walkers wheelers and cyclists.” (A38 Liskeard)

“Even with our high vis on, after dark, some cars may come too close to us…there isn’t a lot of light in this area, so could do with a few more of those.” (A30 Bodmin)

“The stairs are a real barrier to people in wheelchairs, cyclists and people with pushchairs. This is part of a key route into town and replacing the stairs with a ramp should be a priority.”  (A38 Liskeard)

In 2021, Transport Focus did a similar study exploring how cyclists, pedestrians, and equestrians interacted with National Highways roads at locations in Yorkshire and the North East. It used the findings to engage with National Highways on potential upgrades at each of the locations and has since been able to influence positive changes – such as a new pedestrian footway adjacent to the A616 by Underbank Reservoir. You can read more about changes National Highways has since made in Yorkshire and the North East here.

The latest insight from Devon and Cornwall will continue to be vital in the work we do with National Highways to make journeys better for riders, walkers and wheelers. We hope it enables it to implement best practice across its network and ensures these users are considered when new infrastructure is put into place.

 

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