Cycle paths treated as icy conditions continue

Cyclist Jack Troake said the scheme was "absolutely fantastic"

Cycle paths are being treated in a Devon city to keep them safe in icy weather.

The busiest cycle routes around Exeter have been treated with a salt solution as freezing temperatures continue.

Devon County Council is running the third year of a pilot scheme and said it was one of the few local authorities in the country to treat cycle paths.

Cyclist and triathlete Jack Troake said the scheme was "absolutely fantastic" and would like to see it rolled out in more places.

The machine goes on a 14-mile (22.5km) route around Exeter's cycle paths

Mr Troake was cycling along the canalside path in Exeter as part of his training as a triathlete.

He said: "It's absolutely fantastic. It's great to know we can use the path year-round and feel safe.

"It's a really great idea and I hope they do it around the rest of the country too."

Paul Wilkins is the winter service engineer at Devon County Council

Paul Wilkins, winter service engineer at Devon County Council, said: "It's really about trying to promote more in the way of sustainable and active travel.

"We're giving people that opportunity in winter when it's cold and icy not to have to fall back on their car - they can carry on cycling instead and enjoy all the benefits that come with that."

The scheme is in its third year of a trial to salt around 14 miles (22.5km) of Exeter’s busiest cycle routes.

Devon County Council said the project had gained national recognition and it was working with other authorities around the country on sharing knowledge.