Would you like to walk, cycle or push the buggy into Totnes from Littlehempston without risking your neck on the main road? Many would welcome the opportunity to have a safe connection between town and village. And not just in order to take a bit of exercise. On a global, national, regional and local scale, people are realising that urgent action is needed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and combat climate change. Locally, there is a new concerted push from a coalition of local groups for safe routes both for cyclists and pedestrians in our area that will reduce our dependence on cars.
A call has gone out for people to join a Mass Bike Ride on Saturday July 15th, starting at 10am by the Pirate Ship at Steamer Quay. A spokesperson says, “We will be going around town, up the Newton Abbot Road (not too far), hopefully a bit of Samba and speakers at St Mary’s. We will be ending with a shared picnic and music over the footbridge by the South Devon Railway where the cycle path would be to Littlehempston, with walkers also welcome to join the picnic and conversation.”
And our new South Hams District Councillor, Samantha Penfold, who lives in Uphempston, hopes to be there too. She says, “I’m really pushing for a bike/pedestrian path to Totnes amongst some more pathways around us and am working with the other Totnes councillors on it. There’s Government money to be put into new cycle infrastructure and I’m going to push for the Littlehempston route again.” Sam is also working on improving other local pathways for cyclists and pedestrians, so if you have other suggestions, please do get in touch with her.
On a regional level, action is also being taken. South Hams District Council and West Devon Borough Council are working on a project to improve the area for local people to get about. They want to know what stops you from running errands, seeing friends and getting around in easy and convenient ways. What makes it easy or difficult to walk, wheel (mobility scooters or wheelchairs) or cycle around in your area? Here’s an official survey that we can fill in to voice our needs, so please take part and pass this information on to other groups: https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/DevonTravel
Don’t worry if you can’t make the bike ride. (Some of you will hopefully be helping set up the Littlehempston Fun Dog Show that starts at 2pm that afternoon). This promises to be just the start of the move to help get us less dependent on our cars!