Where there's a wheel, there's a way along the town's prom

It's almost official - cyclists can now legally ride along Worthing prom in the freshly-painted cycle lane instead of dodging the traffic on the busy seafront road.

The cycle lane runs from the Lido and George V Avenue and is operating for a trial period of a year.

The official opening is planned for the near future. Pedestrians and cyclists were asked for their views on the cycle lane.

Cyclist, Clive Sim, 27, of Wembley Avenue, Worthing, said, 'It's a tremendous idea. They should do it everywhere. I cycle along here every afternoon. It's much safer than the road and I've never collided with any pedestrians.'

Steve Steadman, 24, of Hayley Road, Worthing, also a cyclist, agrees. 'I always get on and off the promenade at the right points and I think it's a great idea. The seafront road is very busy and I've had quite a few near misses with lorries and buses.'

Mrs Mabel Matthews, 80, and Mrs Molly Nicholson, 85, are both from Godalming, Surrey, and they agreed that a cycle lane was a good idea.

Mrs Matthews said, 'If they want people to be green and use bikes instead of cars, they have to encourage them. It's a very good idea and better than the cyclists getting run over.' Mrs Nicholson added, 'It won't be dangerous for pedestrians unless silly teenagers come haring along, and cyclists stand a much better chance on the prom than on the road.'

Reg Butler, 72, of Tarring Road, Worthing, has been cycling for almost 60 years and won't use the cycle lane. He said, 'Pedestrians will still walk on the lane, they won't realise what it is. I've grown up with the traffic in Worthing and I'm used to it. I doubt I'll use the cycle lane, I can just find quieter roads. I don't understand why the lane is right in the centre of the prom where everyone walks. Why couldn't it have been on the beach side? What they need are more lanes on the road.'

Former Worthing resident, Steve Bosworth, 39, from Newbury, thinks the cycle lane should have been implemented long ago. He said, 'I lived here for 25 years and it's about time the town had a cycle lane. I once rode along the prom with my son in a basket on the back of the bike and a traffic warden told me to ride on the road which was ridiculous! It will be a terrific idea as long as people are aware that the lane is here. The prom is huge enough for everyone to enjoy.'