Exeter Cycling Campaign launches crowdfunding appeal to keep Dryden Road safe
Exeter Cycling Campaign has launched a public crowdfunding appeal to raise funds for legal advice opposing plans to remove the traffic filter on Dryden Road without measures to protect people cycling.
The volunteer-led organisation, which has campaigned for safer cycling and active travel in Exeter for more than a decade, says it has exhausted efforts to resolve the issue through the normal democratic process and is now preparing to submit legal objections to a forthcoming Traffic Regulation Order (TRO).
This follows advice from Active Travel England, the Government body for walking, wheeling and cycling, which identified the proposed changes as creating a “Critical Safety Issue” due to the increased risk of collisions between cyclists and motor vehicles. Or, in other words, putting people at increased risk of death or serious injury.
Exeter Cycling Campaign has spent months engaging with Devon County Council, attending meetings, submitting evidence and working with councillors through the Exeter Highways and Traffic Orders Committee in an attempt to secure a safer outcome.
The group has now taken legal advice from a national law firm with experience in road safety cases and is seeking public support to help cover the costs of further legal representation.
James Diamond, the chair of Exeter Cycling Campaign, said: “For more than ten years we have worked constructively with decision-makers to make Exeter’s streets safer for everyone. We have always preferred collaboration over confrontation. However, we now believe that stronger action is necessary.
“We are deeply concerned that the Dryden Road filter could be removed despite expert advice warning that doing so without other safety measures would create a critical safety issue for people cycling. We do not believe Exeter residents should have to accept an increase in road danger where viable alternatives exist.”
“This is not simply about one street. This filter is part of the council’s own designated cycle network. It is about whether people of all ages and abilities can travel safely around Exeter and whether the city continues to move towards a healthier, safer and more sustainable transport network.”
The organisation says all money raised through the crowdfunding campaign will be used to obtain specialist legal advice and representation related to the Dryden Road proposal. Any surplus funds will be used to support future campaigning and advocacy for safer active travel in Exeter.
Exeter Cycling Campaign is encouraging residents who support safe, accessible and connected cycling routes to contribute to the appeal and share the campaign with others. Ends Date 12 August 2026 Notes to editors Crowdfunding campaign: www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/dryden-road-safe-for-everybody<www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/dryden-road-safe-for-everybody>
Exeter Cycling Campaign has launched a public crowdfunding appeal to raise funds for legal advice opposing plans to remove the traffic filter on Dryden Road without measures to protect people cycling.
The volunteer-led organisation, which has campaigned for safer cycling and active travel in Exeter for more than a decade, says it has exhausted efforts to resolve the issue through the normal democratic process and is now preparing to submit legal objections to a forthcoming Traffic Regulation Order (TRO).
This follows advice from Active Travel England, the Government body for walking, wheeling and cycling, which identified the proposed changes as creating a “Critical Safety Issue” due to the increased risk of collisions between cyclists and motor vehicles. Or, in other words, putting people at increased risk of death or serious injury.
Exeter Cycling Campaign has spent months engaging with Devon County Council, attending meetings, submitting evidence and working with councillors through the Exeter Highways and Traffic Orders Committee in an attempt to secure a safer outcome.
The group has now taken legal advice from a national law firm with experience in road safety cases and is seeking public support to help cover the costs of further legal representation.
James Diamond, the chair of Exeter Cycling Campaign, said: “For more than ten years we have worked constructively with decision-makers to make Exeter’s streets safer for everyone. We have always preferred collaboration over confrontation. However, we now believe that stronger action is necessary.
“We are deeply concerned that the Dryden Road filter could be removed despite expert advice warning that doing so without other safety measures would create a critical safety issue for people cycling. We do not believe Exeter residents should have to accept an increase in road danger where viable alternatives exist.”
“This is not simply about one street. This filter is part of the council’s own designated cycle network. It is about whether people of all ages and abilities can travel safely around Exeter and whether the city continues to move towards a healthier, safer and more sustainable transport network.”
The organisation says all money raised through the crowdfunding campaign will be used to obtain specialist legal advice and representation related to the Dryden Road proposal. Any surplus funds will be used to support future campaigning and advocacy for safer active travel in Exeter.
Exeter Cycling Campaign is encouraging residents who support safe, accessible and connected cycling routes to contribute to the appeal and share the campaign with others. Ends Date 12 August 2026 Notes to editors Crowdfunding campaign: www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/dryden-road-safe-for-everybody<www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/dryden-road-safe-for-everybody>