We need to change our roads to encourage cycling

Last week, two letters referred to rude and inconsiderate cyclists, and I’ve encountered them myself.

However, far more damaging in all respects are the selfish and inconsiderate drivers and motorcyclists who drive along Whyke Road at well over 40mph, and those who can be heard on the A27, driving at excessive speed because the roads are now fairly clear.

If we are to encourage people to walk and cycle to work, as the Government is now suggesting, then some of the road space needs to be taken from cars and given to cyclists.

Since we can’t immediately build more cycle friendly streets, we have to work with what we’ve got. This need not be expensive; the types of barriers used around roadworks would be enough to start with. Then there would be no excuse for cycling on the pavement as traffic and cycles would be separated, and pedestrians could reclaim the pavements, which also need to be widened at busy crossings such as Eastgate Square.

At present it’s not surprising that a few cyclists choose the pavement rather than the road, when there are people driving at such dangerous speeds.

I’ve read that the Government is about to give money to local authorities to implement schemes to promote safe walking and cycling, at a time when people are understandably wary of using crowded public transport.

I also hope the police will be more active in pursuing speeding drivers.

Let’s hope that West Sussex County Council makes use of any funds available and takes measures to curb the use of private cars in order to support cycling and walking.

I’m a car driver myself, when necessary, but I see no reason to continue in the old ways of giving cars the priority and expecting other road users to use what little space is left.