It’s just not safe

I do not cycle as often or as far as I would like because, frankly, with so much on-road parking and fast-moving traffic, I find the roads too dangerous. The split-pavement cycle paths that mostly go nowhere and end abruptly are just a cheap and silly cop-out.

So I would welcome a wide, designated cycle path that I could use with confidence. But cycle on the Promenade? No thanks.

The thought of trying to negotiate a maze of pedestrians of all ages, pushchairs, wheelchairs and the boat train would be more stressful than risking the roads.

In any case, even I would cover the distance from the river to the East Beach Café in under four minutes and given that travelling at any speed would be utterly irresponsible, I cannot see it would count as meaningful exercise.

What less-confident recreational cyclists want is somewhere safe to cycle. The Promenade is an inappropriate red herring.

A hard surface path along West Beach, providing a circuit round Climping to and from the footbridge, would be marvellous.

A coastal cycle track from East Beach Café to Ferring would be even better and bring many two-wheeled visitors to our town from the Worthing area, as well as providing a tempting and healthy alternative to a car journey for commuters.

Of course, it will not happen. The greensward from Rustington to Ferring is privately owned and West Beach is a protected habitat for barbecues and nude sunbathing. Still, we can but dream.

Mark Williams,

Mantling Road,

Littlehampton