Newton Abbot residents and visitors are being asked for their views on changing a 1951 rule which makes it illegal to ride any type of bike in the town’s parks.

For six weeks, starting today (December 1), people are being asked to complete a feedback survey on modernising a council byelaw that prevents people riding a bike on any route through the parks.

Teignbridge District Council wants to hear from residents and visitors on a proposed byelaw change that would enable clearly marked park routes to be dedicated for use as safe, off-road travel links for people on bikes.

One of the main reasons given by residents for not going on family cycling trips or for not cycling to school, to work or to shop is not feeling safe due to the volume of road traffic and this is of particular concern for vulnerable users such as young children, disabled or less confident riders.

A Teignbridge spokesperson said ‘By enabling people to use clearly marked local park routes, the council hopes to remove some of the obstacles that prevent people from a wider diversity of communities opting for more active travel methods while at the same time making sure parks remain safe for walking, for children’s play and for enjoying opportunities to relax

‘The ambition to create safe and appealing routes for individuals, families and visitors was set out in 2021 in the Heart of Teignbridge Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan (LCWIP) with Courtenay, Baker’s and Sandringham parks given as examples of where safe routes could help communities.’

Executive member for Planning, Cllr Gary Taylor welcomed the consultation: ‘After more than half a century, we think it may be time to update this rather historic rule but before making a final decision, we want to hear the views of local people and I would encourage residents to complete our survey and let us know what they think of the idea.

‘As well as enabling people to avoid congested roads, creating routes for riding bikes can benefit residents by boosting their mental and physical wellbeing, increasing their confidence and social interaction.

‘If more people leave the car at home and walk or cycle, we will improve the air quality in the town, reduce noise and congestion and lower our carbon emissions.’

Cllr Taylor said that updating the byelaw would not create an automatic right of way for bikes but it would enable dedicated routes to be established in future when safe to do so, where a clear need existed and where there was local support.

Residents can complete the survey, which runs until Thursday, January 12, online at teignbridge.gov.uk/cyclebyelaw or they can request a paper copy by writing to the Green Infrastructure Officer, Forde House, Newton Abbot, TQ12 4XX.

The byelaw currently impacts on five Newton Abbot parks – Courtenay, Baker’s, Forde, Powderham and Osborne.