A Taunton-based cycling group has been campaigning for a cycle track between Ilminster and Taunton and a crossing at an A358 junction.
Taunton Area Cycling Campaign (TACC) first submitted the petition in 2019, and the group has now received a response from National Highways.
In response to the group’s petition for a cycle track between Ilminster and Taunton, National Highways proposed an alternative "offline cycle route".
It explained that this is because a dedicated cycle track running parallel to the A358 would reduce connectivity to the national cycle network, local road network, nearby communities, and countryside.
It said this is due to limited access between junction 25 and the Southfields roundabout, where cyclists would enter and exit the track.
In its petition response, National Highways said: "The offline route would utilise existing infrastructure and allow cyclists to pass through places of interest.
"The proposed offline cycle route we have identified would use lightly trafficked roads and motorised-free tracks, which is a much safer option."
In response to the campaign’s desire for a crossing to the A358 junction in the form of a bridge or tunnel, National Highways said that a dedicated crossing option was "unfeasible".
Instead, they encourage cyclists to use the "at-grade crossing opportunities at M5 J25".
TACC issued a statement on its website thanking signatories "for supporting this petition" and claiming the National Highways response "falls way short of expectations".
The group says it wants to meet with Somerset County Council to discuss its campaign and says a recent cycling protest on the A38 between Taunton and Wellington shows the appetite for more routes.
A spokesperson for TACC said: "Community support for a Wellington to Taunton cycle path demonstrates the appetite for safe routes locally and this will increase with wider adoption of e-bikes.
"We hope that Somerset County Council will be proactive in pushing for a good cycle route with the A358 scheme."
National Highways has invited TACC to a one-to-one meeting in May or June to discuss further feedback from the group.
By Jamie Grover (@JamieGrover9).
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