Route to Cycle

Cyclists are not the only people affected by a new cycle route strategy for Worthing.

If you live on a road where a cycle route may pass or already passes, or if you have a business there, you will need to visit exhibitions currently on in Worthing.

West Sussex County Council and Worthing Borough Council have teamed up to hold a two-week programme of exhibitions to provide local residents with the chance to help shape the cycling strategy.

While cyclists are pleased to see cycling lanes appear in Worthing, there is still a long way to go before they are happy with the arrangements.

The lanes have also led to confusion for motorists and residents.

Can residents still park outside their home or business on a cycle lane?

Can motorists park on them if the lanes are in an otherwise legitimate parking area, and if not, what are the regulations and penalties?

Questions and suggestions on these and other associated cycle strategy matters will fonn part of this major consultation exercise.

The main aim of the strategy is to identify a core network of cycle routes connecting all areas of the town and join these routes with public transport interchanges, such as railway stations.

The strategy looks at other improvements for cyclists, such as improved parking facilities.

Other important elements of the exhibition include options for the South Coast Cycle Route and details of the second stage of the Worthing to Goring cycle route.

The strategy aims to promote cycling in the area, while also reducing dependence on the private car and encouraging cycling as an alternative method of transport.

It is also hoped that with improved safety measures and cycling facilities cyclists will feel safer riding on the road, leading to a marked reduction in illegal cyding on the pavements - an issue of concern for many.

In addition to the exhibition - where visitors will be able to give their views on the proposals, a questionnaire will be sent to a random sample of households to further help shape the strategy.

The exhibition is at Worthing library until July 11, staffed l0am to 4pm, today Friday and tomorrow, and until July 4 at Sainsbury's, Lyons Farm, staffed today, 3pm to 8pm.

It then moves to Worthing Leisure Centre July 4-11,staffed July 6 11am to 9pm and July 7, 11am to 4pm