Prom not for cyclists

BEXHILL's promenade is used extensively by residents and visitors '“ it is the town's core attraction and delight, and one that is being enhanced by the current Next Wave development.
By The Newsroom
Published 29th Apr 2011, 09:00 BST
Updated 7th Jun 2018, 21:23 BST

The users are men, women and children of all ages: walking, strolling, chatting and taking the air, some with dogs, many without. It is peaceful, gentle and relaxed because it is not a busy thoroughfare. Hence it is a safe delight for all users.

Some cyclists use it even now, and this is fine: they are pleasantly tolerated, and the very fact that it is forbidden leads to careful cautious use.

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If cycling is formally legalised it is in effect being encouraged on the promenade, which will then become a cyclists’ thoroughfare. This will encourage more and more promenade cycling and modern cycles are designed to move fast.

Fast frequent cycling on the promenade will destroy peaceful, relaxed promenade walking and strolling. the raison d’etre of a promenade. Young children will have their freedom to wander taken away, the elderly will be fearful and for most of us the whole joy of walking fast or slow by the sea will be taken away.

And for what? To enable cyclists to use the promenade as an alternative to the road. The road is where cyclists belong, and cycling lanes can add a valuable dimension to roads. But the promenade is not a road; it is not for travelling; it is for strolling, walking and running freely, peacefully and safely.

JOHN CLEMENS

Marina Court Avenue

Bexhill-on-Sea

Related topics:Bexhill