Pedestrians need safe spaces from cyclists in Eastbourne

From: Ray BlakebroughEastbourne Access GroupThe Piazza, 
Sovereign Harbour
Eastbourne seafront lighting (Photo by Jon Rigby) SUS-201203-093441008Eastbourne seafront lighting (Photo by Jon Rigby) SUS-201203-093441008
Eastbourne seafront lighting (Photo by Jon Rigby) SUS-201203-093441008

With reference your article about more needed to be done for cycling:

Government has made a point in its transport guidance of stating that more needs to be done to promote active travel. Guidelines state this includes more safe dedicated walking infrastructure and safe quality cycle lanes.

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Living Streets and commerce are calling on councils to make space for safe walking and safe cycling (especially as we need to continue social distancing).

They emphasise that much of our current pedestrian spaces are not wide enough to accommodate both walking, cycling and e scooters.

LTN 02/08 (the latest guidance) states that new cycling infrastructure should not be created at the expense of new cycling schemes if alternative space exists nearby. The seafront, apart from the narrow section of promenade and road, has ample alternative space for dedicated cycling.

If cycling continues to be allowed on Sovereign Harbour walkways this effectively leaves pedestrians with no dedicated safe walking space of their own in this area as cyclists use most surfaces. This is not in line with Government wishes and should not continue to go unregulated.

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Our two disability groups in Eastbourne (Access Group and Disability Involvement Group) have recommended some quick wins for cyclists; close Terminus Road from the seafront, allow cyclists to use the current carriageway whilst pedestrians use the two pavements.

Likewise the middle area of Terminus Road can accommodate cyclists as there is a tree line that segregates two pedestrian routes from the vehicle access centre lane.

The Beacon stretch is problematic as ESCC failed to plan properly to accommodate cycling in the town centre. In all, trying to squeeze all users onto and into pedestrian spaces is a cheap low cost dangerous alternative.