Consultation launches on proposed new cycle route in Dover

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Wide view of a road junction near Dover Priory, showing a wet roadway, traffic islands and road signs. A stone wall and mature trees surround a large light-coloured building in the centre background, with a church-like building visible behind it. Several cars are parked or travelling nearby, and a bright blue sky with scattered clouds stretches overhead.

A consultation has opened on proposals for a new cycle route linking Dover Priory train station with Dover town centre.

The plans have been designed to create a safer and more attractive route for cyclists and pedestrians, while improving connections between the railway station, town centre, seafront and Dover Docks.

The proposed route would run along Folkestone Road, Effingham Street and Effingham Crescent before crossing Priory Road, providing an alternative to the busy York Street/Priory Road roundabout.

The roundabout has been the site of a number of collisions over several years, including incidents involving cyclists. While safety improvements were completed at the junction in 2025, many people still find it challenging to navigate by bike.

Providing a route away from the A256 is considered the safest and most suitable option, helping cyclists avoid the roundabout while creating a more comfortable journey.

Proposed improvements

The scheme would include:

  • A new two-way off-road cycle path on the north side of Folkestone Road between Station Approach Road and Effingham Street. This would be separated from the footway so pedestrians still have their own space.
  • Changes to pedestrian crossing points on Folkestone Road, including a new pedestrian island closer to the roundabout
  • A signed contraflow cycle route along Effingham Street and Effingham Crescent, allowing cyclists to travel in both directions.
  • Changes to Norman Street, including making it one way eastbound to reduce traffic and improve safety for cyclists. Two-way traffic would be maintained between Priory Road and the car parks, making it easy to access them.
  • A new signal-controlled crossing at Effingham Crescent and Priory Road, so cyclists and pedestrians can cross the A256 more safely.
  • The potential for a yellow box junction at the end of Effingham Crescent with the junction of Priory Road to help keep traffic moving.
  • Minor changes to parking to create safer road space for cyclists – the overall loss would be the equivalent of three parking spaces.

The council also sees the scheme as a potential future link to the existing River Dour Greenway, subject to further discussions with local partners.

The project is expected to cost around £350,000. KCC would apply for UK Government funding to help deliver the scheme.

Spencer Dixon, Deputy Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport, looks towards the camera smiling.

“The scheme aims to create a safer and more convenient route between Dover Priory station and the town centre, while helping cyclists avoid the busy York Street/Priory Road roundabout.”

Spencer Dixon Deputy Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport

Spencer Dixon, KCC’s Deputy Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport, said: "We're keen to hear from those who travel through Dover on these proposals. The scheme aims to create a safer and more convenient route between Dover Priory station and the town centre, while helping cyclists avoid the busy York Street/Priory Road roundabout. Feedback from this consultation will help us understand local views and shape the next steps for the project."

Have your say

The consultation opened on 30 September 2026 and closes at midnight on 9 November 2026.

Full details of the proposals, including scheme plans, can be viewed online at www.kent.gov.uk/dovercycling and at Dover Library within the Dover Discovery Centre, Market Square, Dover.

For further information, requests for a paper questionnaire, or enquiries about the scheme, contact east.highwayimprovements@kent.gov.uk or call 03000 41 81 81, quoting "Dover Priory cycle route".