Cyclists get a raw deal in Worthing

CYCLING in Worthing could soon be much more safer if a series of measures is adopted.

Campaigners have been calling for more cycle lanes in the town for many years.

The Worthing Cycle Strategy Review was set up following criticisms of the lack of safety measures to protect two-wheeled travellers in the town.

Cycle and highways consultants Babtie, who carried out this latest review, recommend that a network of cycle routes be developed in order to encourage cycling.

Mike Bleakley, head of planning at Worthing Borough Council, said, 'The review concludes that cyclists are not well catered for in Worthing, but that the town offers considerable potential for the development of cycling as an alternative transport mode to the private car.

'Once we have got the strategy in place, we should see a five-year rolling programme, although I am aware some major improvements coming into Worthing will take longer.'

The report notes that at certain times of the day, although cyclists represent up to nine per cent of traffic flow in Worthing, they account for 25 per cent of accidents.

Mr Bleakley commented, 'A number of individual measures have been identified to try to reduce accidents at certain known locations where accident risk is higher.'

Eleven roundabouts were highlighted as particularly dangerous, with improvements needed.

Proposals include cycle crossings at accident black-spots such as the Littlehampton Road, Yeoman Road and Palatine Road roundabout.

Other measures include cycle crossings at Rectory Road and St Lawrence Avenue, with improved signal crossings elsewhere.

Access to the town centre could be improved by the conversion of Upper High Street, Dagmar Road and Tower Road to two-way cycle use.

Town-wide cycle routes, with crossings in South Street and South Farm Road, as well as a path across West Park recreation ground are also recommended.

The proposals were welcomed at a meeting of the borough council's environmental services committee last Wednesday.

Committee chairman Richard Bell said, 'I am very pleased to see this is moving forward.

'It also ties in with health improvements for the town - there will be a way for people to get out there and get some exercise.'

However, Liberal Democrat leader John Lovell questioned why proposals would take so long to be put in place.

He said, 'It seems the strategy has been on the go for a long time and doesn't seem to have get very far.

'I was disappointed to hear Mr Bleakley mention five to 10 years. Some of us won't be capable of riding bikes in 10 years.'

Recommendations are expected to be the subject of a public consultation exercise with appropriate groups.

Comments will then be reported back to the committee during the late summer.

- Better deal for cyclists Page 33

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