Rolls-Royce back cycling infrastructure workshop

The meeting to examine the practicalities of designing suitable cycle-friendly measures across the county is being organised by ChiCycle and the Chichester and District Cycle Forum.

The Goodwood Estate has also agreed to sponsor the event.

Sarah Sharp of ChiCycle said: “I’m hugely encouraged that two of the largest and most prestigious businesses in the area are backing safe infrastructure for cyclists.

“Lack of safety, both real and perceived, is one of the biggest factors holding back cycling across this country. Even by our unchallenging national standards, Chichester could do far better.”

She added: “Chichester is flat, compact and relatively sunny.

“So there’s no reason why our little corner of the country shouldn’t be up there with the best of them, and even challenge places like Copenhagen where 50% of people commute to work by bike every day, even in the winter.

If they can do it, so can we.”

According to data from the National Office of Statistics, five per cent of people cycle to work in Chichester.

Other areas of the UK have much higher levels - with seven and a half per cent in hilly Bristol, 17 per cent in Oxford and 29 per cent in Cambridge.

The workshop will aim to show that building safe, protected cycle paths is the way forward to ensure the city, along with employees of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars and Goodwood - continues to thrive for decades to come.

Andrew Ball, global corporate communications manager for Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, said: “We are delighted to support the Chichester Cycle Infrastructure Design Workshop.

“The development of an improved local cycling infrastructure supports our Company Travel Plan and broader sustainability strategy.”

‎Chief executive officer for The Goodwood Estate, Alex Williamson, said: “The workshop promises to tackle an important issue head on and we are aligned with the need to have a provision for cycling that adds much needed breadth and sustainability to the transport network locally”.

To find out more or register for the workshop, contact Sarah Sharp on [email protected] or 07789 843556.

Tickets can be booked here: http://tinyurl.com/jatnsytDon’t miss out on all the latest breaking news where you live.

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