Devon Cycle Lane Project Sparks Debate Over Cost and Disruption

A council in Devon has come under fire after spending £3.8 million on a cycling route measuring less than 200 metres, with residents describing the project as a poor use of public money.

The 197-metre cycle lane in Plymstock, a suburb of Plymouth, has drawn criticism from local residents who argue the scheme—costing roughly £20,000 per metre—is excessive and unnecessary. Some have called for the project to be scrapped entirely.

The development has also caused significant disruption in the area. Residents say the works have resulted in the closure of a key road, forcing drivers to take a 10-minute diversion instead of a journey that previously took around a minute. The road closure is expected to remain in place until April next year.

Plans to Repurpose Disused Railway Tunnel

The project involves boring through a disused railway tunnel to create a link between two existing cycling routes. Plymouth City Council says the scheme is intended to improve connections for cyclists and encourage more sustainable travel.

However, critics argue the investment is disproportionate to the likely usage. Figures released through a Freedom of Information request show that the current route is used by an average of just 11 cyclists per day.

Local resident Mike Selby, 73, questioned whether the project could realistically provide value for money given its cost.

He said the scale of spending for such a short stretch of infrastructure made it difficult to justify, adding that residents raising concerns were not simply opposing development for its own sake.

Political Opposition

The project has also attracted criticism from political figures. Andy Lugger, leader of the opposition at Plymouth City Council, described the scheme as a “vanity project” and suggested public funds could be better spent addressing other local priorities.

He argued that many roads in the area are in poor condition and said residents would prefer to see investment directed towards repairing existing infrastructure.

Concerns Over Disruption

Residents living near the works have also raised concerns about the 14-month closure of Colesdown Hill, claiming they were given only three weeks’ notice before the road shut on 9 February.

The closure now requires drivers to travel a 2.5-mile diversion, significantly increasing travel time between two points that were previously only around a minute apart by car.

Some residents have also expressed frustration about the pace of the project, claiming contractors have not been working evenings or weekends, which they fear could prolong disruption.

Council Response

Plymouth City Council has acknowledged the disruption caused by the project and said it understands residents’ frustrations.

A council spokesperson said the authority recognises the inconvenience the works are causing and apologised for the disruption.

They explained that the 14-month closure is necessary due to the limited working space in the area, as well as the presence of multiple underground pipes and cables that must be carefully managed during construction.

The council also noted that Colesdown Hill remains open for pedestrians, which adds to the complexity of the works.

Officials said the decision not to carry out a specific consultation on the road closure was taken because there were no viable alternatives available, although the overall scheme was subject to consultation during the planning process.

The authority added that it has been working with residents who rely heavily on deliveries or care services and will continue to engage with those affected as the project progresses.

Wider Debate

The project has reignited debate over the cost and priorities of active travel infrastructure, with supporters arguing that improved cycling links are essential for encouraging sustainable transport, while critics question whether schemes of this scale represent good value for money.

With the works expected to continue until next spring, the discussion around the Plymstock cycle route is likely to remain a contentious issue in the local community.