LINKING Crediton to Exeter with a cycle path would be a game changer.

Building a direct route from McDonalds to Cowley is only five miles and would then link up with Exeter cycle routes, so cycle commuters living in Crediton and working in Exeter would typically have less than 10 miles to cycle to their destinations.

Cycle commuters currently use the main road because it’s the quickest route.

Not only would the direct route be quick for the cyclists, it would from the prospect of those driving the A377 be a relief in removing cyclists from the road!

In addition, many car drivers may decide to make the switch to cycling, so less traffic and congestion on the A377.

COP30 has been taking place and the need to reduce our carbon footprint is something we should all be doing. The science is clear.

Cycling and walking, unlike any other forms of transport, are as close to zero emissions as it’s possible to be.

In terms of costs, investing in cycle and walking paths the return is far greater than other projects, at nearly £6 for each £1 spent!

Just look up “how much money is saved to the NHS by doubling cycling?”

Here is my AI response:

Doubling cycling levels could save the NHS an estimated £17 billion over 20 years due to improved public health.

This figure comes from research commissioned by British Cycling and referenced in reports by the walking and cycling charity Cycling UK and the UK government.

The savings are achieved by reducing the prevalence of physical inactivity-related conditions such as:

• Type 2 diabetes

• Ischaemic heart disease (coronary heart disease)

• Cerebrovascular disease (stroke)

• Dementia

• Certain types of cancer.

Other potential savings from increased cycling and walking include:

• £567 million annually through improved air quality, preventing 8,300 premature deaths.

• £2.5 billion in health benefits if just 1.7% of car journeys were switched to walking and cycling.

• An average return on investment of £5.62 for every £1 spent on active travel infrastructure, compared to £2.50 for road building projects.

Overall, physical inactivity costs the NHS up to £1 billion per annum, with wider indirect costs of £8.2 billion, highlighting the substantial potential savings from increased active travel.

Cllr Giles Fawssett

Crediton Town Council