Eastbourne’s cycling scheme has not been thought out

I was dismayed and offended this morning to hear on the radio Christina Ewbank of the Eastbourne Branch of the Chamber of Commerce state that as an organization they want to attract a younger and more wealthy demographic to visit Eastbourne.

She seems to think that to achieve this they will use the cycle lane intended for the hotel side of the road leading out of Eastbourne.

I feel this comment is very discriminatory, so Eastbourne is not a place for all to enjoy, only the young and wealthy.

What about young families who live in or visit the town but are on minimum or low wages or in receipt of universal credits? Are they not welcome any more?

A great many people have disabilities but the disabled parking bays are to be reduced so they may not be able to visit.

Families with young children, senior citizens like to park near their accommodation for ease of unloading luggage.

The baby boomers who are still very active but young at heart are they going to be discouraged from staying here because they are not young or wealthy enough. Prior to Covid the Tinsel and Turkey vacations were a huge part of Eastbourne’s economy in the low season.

So in Eastbourne cycling according to Christina is to be elitist and for the well off. Has she not realized the route will take the cyclists away from town on their travels.

Where are the secure bike stands going to be so these people can stay awhile to spend money in the local cafes knowing their bicycles are safe.

If it’s down to economy a cyclist may perhaps buy a cup of tea, possibly a piece of cake or ice cream and then move on spending £5 on average. A night in accommodation can cost anything between £70 to £200 plus per night so which option is better for the economy? No brainer.

I was under the impression that the Chamber of Commerce is there to support local businesses including the tourism sector. Obviously they are changing tack and more keen to promote cycling at any cost and do not care about the impact on the tourism industry down that stretch of road.

That side of the road is actually quite dangerous with deliveries, workmen, laundry lorries and cars turning in and out of side roads and soon to be a huge reduction in parking causing congestion.

Visitors will most likely in the future go somewhere else to visit so whatever their background they are made welcome, can park near their destination and cycle on a route that is safe and sensible for all.

Not only will this cycle lane disadvantage the hotels, B and Bs and Holiday Let owners hit hard with the Covid 19 lockdown but visitors will be disaffected as well.

Imagine walking the mile or more from the nearest public car park with luggage, whether young or old, children and visitors in wheelchairs. It could be windy, wet and trying to just cross the road dangerous for both pedestrians and cyclists alike.

This proposal is a knee jerk reaction to government funding and should have been carefully thought through and why take people out of town when they could be coming in and spending time and money here.

Councils are strapped for cash yet willing to lose vital revenue from parking.

Please note I am not opposed to a safe cycle route but one that is a place that allows the cyclist, visitors and all demographics a safe and fun place to be.

So come on Eastbourne Borough Council and Chamber of Commerce apply a common sense strategy and approach for a solution that suits all.

We have a beautiful town and should be proud and protect at all cost our up to now very successful tourism industry.