Who are the Boniface Trail Association (BTA)?

WE are a registered charity (No 1168111) formed in 2015 dedicated to the phased delivery of a multi-use traffic-free trail linking Crediton to Exeter. BTA has in depth local knowledge having walked every route option, held meetings with the public and local landowners and researched the project in detail. BTA also has a comprehensive resource library (including legal agreements, detailed route maps, survey data, etc.). Our website is at https://bonifacetrail.org

Our view on the alternative route options

In November 2024 we submitted a response to Devon County Council’s consultation on their Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan (LCWIP). Our response sets out our reasons for supporting and preferring a route following the A377 between the two centres over the alternative proposal, the so-called “Quiet lanes alignment” option using rural lanes. It also includes details of the proposed route which we have researched for the whole length of the trail from Crediton to Cowley and includes an outline plan of that route. A copy of the response can be found at tinyurl.com/4b7dw4ej

Although it receives little mention in the LCWIP, BTA believes that one of the most important factors to be taken into account when assessing the priority of schemes around Devon is any effect a scheme would have on improving road safety. In BTA’s view the County Council should review the timescale priorities of the various trails set out in the LCWIP so that they take account of road safety. They should give the proposed Boniface Trail a much higher priority than is currently allocated to it.

The construction of the Boniface Trail would help to address the following issues:

• The busy A377 is recognised as one of the most dangerous trunk roads in the county with a heavy volume of large agricultural vehicles, HGVs and buses and over the years has suffered a disproportionate number of serious accidents and fatalities.

• Much of it is very narrow and winding with no footpath for most of its distance.

• It suffers from congestion, much of it caused unintentionally by cyclists as the narrow and winding nature of the road often makes safe overtaking difficult.

• Local road hauliers have advised that their drivers fear sharing this road with cyclists.

BTA believes that the “Quiet Lanes alignment” is not only indirect and unsuitable (not directly linking most of the intermediate settlements between Crediton and Exeter) but is now also very unsafe and unsuitable for consideration as the lanes are no longer “quiet” being extremely busy with heavy agricultural traffic.

Conclusion

BTA do not underestimate the financial challenges of constructing the Trail but believe that it could be achieved by building it in phases over several years, probably starting with the section from Tesco roundabout in Crediton to Newton St Cyres.

If completed and promoted well, the Trail could have a positive impact on both big and small communities and businesses along the route as well as the public health and road safety benefits.

Nick Dyer

Chair

Boniface Trail Association