Users of the Exe Estuary Trail are being reminded to be considerate to each other in a joint campaign by Devon County Council and Devon and Cornwall Police.

Police Community Support Officers and the Council’s Sustainable Travel Officers have been patrolling the Trail at Exton and Lympstone to promote the Share this Space project.

They have been encouraging people on The Trail to be aware of other users and be polite to each other, while handing out flyers with simple advice on how to share the Trail.

More than 100 people were reminded to let people know they were passing if they were on a bicycle, and dog owners were advised to keep dogs under close control on short leads and to clear up after them. Further patrols will be carried out during the school holidays.

Councillor Stuart Hughes, Devon County Council Cabinet Member for Highways and Transportation, said: “The paths are for everyone to use and, unless signs or markings state otherwise, all users have equal ‘right of way’.  The Trail is a wonderful asset to the area, which is why we all need to share it and be considerate to the needs of others when on it. Please be aware of those around you as they may not see or hear you so let them know that you are there, leave plenty of room and pass slowly.”

Inspector Antonia Weeks, from Devon and Cornwall Police, said: “The Exe Estuary Trail is a brilliant facility for everyone to enjoy, however, parts of it constitute public highway, used by all vehicles and we would urge people to ride and walk responsibly in  accordance with the highway code. Police actively patrol the Trail and will look to ensure that people use it safely.”
All bike hire shops in the area are backing the project and will issue flyers to anyone who hires a bike. Hire bikes will also bear Share this Space stickers.

The County Council has also trained police officers to be National Standard Instructors to deliver Bikeability level one training to younger children in years three and four in schools around the Estuary. This can provide early preparation for the free Bikeability course delivered to all pupils from year five and above by the County Council. As part of this training, children will be advised on how to use the shared paths on the trails.

The advice to users of the trail is:
• Be polite and considerate. If someone lets you pass, thank them.
• Travel at a speed that is appropriate to the conditions, e.g. when the path is busy.
• Bikes are quiet so let people know you are coming – ring your bell, or a friendly “Hello!” often works wonders.
• Be prepared to slow or stop – there may be people who don’t know you are there or dogs off their lead.
• Take care when passing others, especially children and older or disabled people and allow them plenty of room.

Posted on: 10 July 2012

Devon County Council is offering organisations based in Marsh Barton and Matford the opportunity to save their business money by inviting them along to free travel plan drop in sessions.

The sessions, specifically aimed at small businesses will suggest quick and easy ideas for improving travel planning at workplaces, as well as providing advice on how to access DCC grants to support sustainable travel facilities and initiatives.

Travel planning makes business sense; supporting sustainable travel helps reduce business mileage costs, reduce car parking congestion and can improve access for staff, visitors & customers. It also aids staff recruitment and retention and can enable a healthier and more productive workforce. Businesses are therefore being encouraged to pop in for a five minute chat, have a free hot drink and cake and find out more.

The drop in sessions will be held on two consecutive days at Cafes in the area; the first at The Matford Centre Restaurant on Thursday 19 July 11am – 3pm and the second at The Pit Stop Café on Friday 20 July 11am -  3pm.

Cabinet Member for Highways and Transportation, Cllr Stuart Hughes said: “The council has a long history of putting together travel plans for organisations and schools and the benefits are clear. We want to promote cleaner and greener travel choices which will reduce the impact of travel and transport on the environment. This could involve a mix of car sharing, walking, cycling and better use of public transport. Our specialist team can work with businesses owners to find the right combination which works for them and their employees.

Local Member for Alphington & Cowick, Cllr Vanessa Newcombe said: “I welcome this initiative and would encourage business owners to go along and see the team. Real savings can be made by bringing in these travel plans, not just for the company and staff but for the local environment too, helping to reduce reliance on the car and to cut down on congestion.”

The Travel Devon Roadshow will also be on hand to advise people about their daily journeys. The roadshow aims to help people to ‘Save Money, be Healthier’ by enabling them to find out more about all forms of sustainable travel from walking and cycling, to public transport, car sharing and eco- driving.

Trained advisors from the County Council will talk to people about their daily commute or journey to school and offer personalised journey planning advice and support. They can also help adults to sign up for free cycle training if they are looking to improve their skills and confidence before getting back on two wheels.

Notes:
The Pit Stop Cafe, 25 Marsh Green Road East, EX2 8PQ
The Matford Centre Restaurant, Matford Park Road, EX2 8FD

Travel planning support can be found online at:
www.devon.gov.uk/traveltowork