Exeter's Dryden Road Cycling-Only Debate: Should It Reopen to Cars? [2026 Consultation Update] (2026)

A heated debate is brewing in Exeter over a road closure that has divided the community. The council's decision to keep Dryden Road closed to drivers and dedicated solely to cyclists since the pandemic has sparked passionate responses. But here's where it gets controversial: some residents are pushing for its reopening, arguing that it's time to restore access for all.

During the Covid pandemic, Dryden Road was transformed into a cyclist's haven, with bollards blocking other vehicles and creating a safer cycling environment. This move was made permanent in 2022 by Devon County Council, aiming to reduce traffic and enhance safety for cyclists. However, not everyone was on board with this decision.

A petition, signed by around 2,500 people, demands the reopening of Dryden Road, citing concerns about displaced traffic on narrower residential roads and unsafe walking routes for students. The petition's creator, Helen Montgomery, believes there's a way to accommodate everyone: "We believe there's an opportunity to provide safe alternatives for pedestrians, cyclists, and vehicles." But is it really possible to satisfy all parties?

The council, acknowledging these concerns, has agreed to a consultation. Residents are presented with three options, each aiming to balance the needs of cyclists, pedestrians, and drivers. The first option includes a bus gate, allowing access to authorized vehicles, with an ANPR camera enforcing the closure to other motorists. The second option features a one-way traffic system and a contraflow cycleway. And this is the part most people miss: the third option, favored by those advocating for reopening, proposes a return to two-way traffic with painted cycle lanes.

Devon County Council's cost analysis reveals that the first option is the most affordable, while the third option could be significantly more expensive. Interestingly, the council also suggests a compromise with option 3b, which would reopen the road without dedicated cycling infrastructure, but they admit this may result in poor access for cyclists.

Local activist Ian Frankum, a long-time advocate for reopening Dryden Road, celebrates the consultation as a victory. He firmly believes that only the third option can accommodate everyone. Meanwhile, the Exeter Cycling Campaign remains cautious, waiting to review the consultation details before taking a stance, with a focus on safety, connectivity, and value for money.

As the consultation period opens, the fate of Dryden Road hangs in the balance. Will the council find a solution that satisfies all stakeholders? Or will the road remain a point of contention, sparking further debate? Share your thoughts in the comments below!