MRS Badgery (Letters, February 15) raises understandable safety concerns about the mix of cyclists, dogs and people that would result from the proposed cycle routes through the Meadows in Tavistock.
She will be aware (Times, February 1) that the town council properties committee overwhelmingly rejected the idea of a route along the canal bank on safety grounds, but approved further consultation on a route largely following the river, from St. John's Avenue to Westbridge.
Most of this route would be on road-width paths, with plenty of room for all users. The most problematical section is through Benson's Meadow from the Riverside car park and across the footbridge.
Cyclists would be expected to dismount to cross the bridge, and it is likely that appropriate signs would be installed. The cycle route proposal document presented to the town council by Graham Cornish of the county council's engineering design group clearly stated that paths would be upgraded as necessary to modern standards.
The path through Benson's Meadow to the footbridge will certainly require changes to make it suitable for both cyclists and walkers. I believe that the county engineers carry out safety audits on all their schemes before they are approved so these concerns will be taken into account.
Thousands of miles of track have been constructed for the National Cycle Network (including the section from Old Exeter Road to Crease Lane), and in many locations, use by walkers is greater than by cyclists. I am not aware of any serious conflicts which have arisen between the different users. With appropriate engineering improvements, I am confident that room can be provided for all users on the route through the Meadows.
Peter Donkin
9 Chestnut Close Bishopsmead