Eighty-two metres is a short ride. But a gap that small can still make the difference between a connected journey and an awkward detour. Devon County Council has approved a walking and cycling path on the south side of Clovelly Road in west Bideford, linking The Pastures housing development towards Affinity Devon shopping centre.
The Torridge Highways and Traffic Orders Committee approved detailed design and construction on 7 October 2026; the council announced the decision on 13 October. The estimated cost is £459,566. Approval is a step towards delivery, rather than an announcement that the path is open.
What has been approved
The proposed shared-use path [a path for both walking and cycling] is 3.2 metres wide. It would connect the existing shared-use route at The Pastures with a footway near the shopping centre. The design includes a retaining wall and connections to existing provision.
Clovelly Road carries more than 10,000 vehicles a day, according to the council. The committee also approved acquiring the necessary land by negotiation. The council identifies proposed funding from the Local Transport Grant, developer contributions and earlier active-travel and transport funding.
A first link, rather than a completed network
The council describes this as the first phase of work on gaps along Clovelly Road, with further phases being identified. Its announcement does not give a construction start or opening date.
For someone considering a shopping trip by bike, that distinction matters. A new link can remove one difficult section without resolving every road crossing or connection beyond it. The announcement calls the receiving provision a footway; readers should not assume that every adjoining pavement permits cycling.
What to check before riding
Use the existing route and signs when planning a journey. This approval does not create a usable path today. The useful next updates will be the delivery programme, any works-related access changes and confirmation that the new section is ready to use.
Our route-planning guide explains how to check a mapped journey against the conditions and access you find on the ground.
Devon County Council announcement, 13 October · Committee decision, 7 October
Join the discussion
What has worked for you? Share your experience or ask a question about this article.
Sign in with GitHub to comment. Your comment and GitHub profile name will be public. Comments appear when posted and may be moderated afterwards.
Keep replies relevant and respectful. No spam, personal information or unsupported accusations. Discussion and privacy information.