Dawlish Discussion

When the soon to be completed Cockwood to Dawlish cyclepath is open bringing with it the hoped for influx of cyclists (and thus trade) to the town, will the cyclists be made to feel welcome? Like er..........sufficient places for them to secure their cycles? I ask because the last time I looked (like a few days ago) there were but three or so bike racks in the train station car park (by the ticket machine), a few more sited on the pavement near the main road down by the Tourist Information Centre and a few on the lawn side of the Strand roughly opposite Boots.

Are any more planned? Does anyone know?

They could always chain thier bikes to the railway fence on Marine Parade.

yes I appreciate they could do that but I don't doubt for one moment that whoever it is who owns that fence would object.

Hi Lynne - How would all these incoming cyclists feel about being charged to park their bikes to offset the cost of the cycle paths on Exeter Rd which none of you seem to want to use. Maybe Biker Bob could provide this service in the town center

But whether or not they should be charged is surely just an academic question for as long as there is no where for them to securely leave their bikes.

I wonder if the local economy would receive a boost any way from these Lycra'd Loonies, because their garish coloured clothing fits so tight that anything that looked like a wallet would cause an unsightly bulge and reduce their carefully contrived profile, not to mention increase their wind resistance. They also drink from bottles strapped to their bicycles and eat energy and health bars, so local eateries would probably miss out anyway. That's the situation in our town anyway.

Yes there are the lycra bikers I agree. But you've forgotten to mention those who have a more laid back attitude to cycling. Those who see it as a pleasurable leisure activity. Like lots of those families on holiday who take their bikes with them or hire when they get to their holiday destinations.

I'm sure the likes of Wadebridge and Padstow and their local economies have benefited enormously from the cyclists using the Camel trail.

I see that The Anchor at Cockwood has a sign up saying it has new cycle racks at the back of the pub.

Ive noticed a number of lycra cyclists eating in the cafes on a sunday morning. Not a pretty sight whilst having my fry up but they are spending money.