Safe, Sustainable Travel Torbay

We have reviewed the recently released plans for Station Square in Paignton. We are pleased to see improvements that assist in the prioritisation of pedestrians within the area of redevelopment. Realigning crossings to provide more direct routes and the inclusion of a Copenhagen style crossing will assist in encouraging active travel within Paignton Town Centre and onwards journeys by public transport.

However, we are very disappointed. When trialling different designs to ‘ensure they met the needs of businesses, pedestrians and motorists,’ an important and popular method of sustainable transport was completely overlooked. The bicycle was not considered.

For people travelling by bicycle this area of Paignton is extremely technical and challenging to navigate currently, including the requirement to assert oneself when changing lanes. We believe these plans will not assist with these issues. Additionally, pressure from vehicles behind will be a stressor in the newly created single lane past the railway station.

Aside from the lack of cycling infrastructure, we are concerned about the creation of the on carriageway bus stop on Hyde Road. We appreciate that it is only for local service buses and tourist coaches so may not be in frequent use. However, any buses intending to travel down Victoria Street will have to move into the righthand lane immediately upon leaving the bus stop creating a potential for conflict with cyclists travelling in this lane. We believe this presents a major road safety issue for vulnerable road users.

It is asserted that the plans have been drawn up in line with the Torbay Local Plan which aspires to ‘increase accessibility throughout the Bay and beyond with fast, frequent, reliable and sustainable travel, giving people real choice as to how they make their journeys’. However, these plans will not create an easy and enjoyable cycling experience. They will certainly not build one which is safe and accessible to those of differing abilities, families, children, and those with disabilities.

Failure to include cycling infrastructure in these plans was a choice made by Torbay Council. When a lane of traffic was removed, space emerged for cycling infrastructure. However, it was once again excluded from regeneration plans. The most common reason for people not cycling is due to safety concerns (National Travel Attitudes Study, 2024). Therefore, in order to encourage active travel it is essential that safe infrastructure is created.

Modal shift to active travel presents the opportunity to reduce congestion and vehicle emissions. It can improve the health and wellbeing of residents. This shift also encourages sustainable tourism and revitalises town centres. Inclusion of safe cycling infrastructure in future plans must be done in actions, not just words.

‘Walking and cycling to Paignton is encouraged.’ – Torbay Council, 2024