Shared use proven to work

ANDREW Lawrenson (Herald letters, March 4) can be re-assured that anyone cycling safely on the prom isn't going to be stopped and lectured.
By The Newsroom
Published 17th Mar 2010, 17:38 BST
Updated 8th Jun 2018, 01:03 BST

Read Mr Lawrenson's letter here

Neither will he be forced to have a second bell on his bike!

Rather than interfering with freedoms, opening up the prom to shared use will increase the freedom of choice for many people to cycle safely.

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There is plenty of evidence to show shared space leads to lower cycling speeds and less conflict than segregated cycle lanes.

Shared-use space has been implemented successfully elsewhere in the UK.

Far from being "a statist intervention", the safety campaign has the full support of the Worthing Cycle Forum, the Worthing Revolutions Cycle Campaign and Sustrans.

My understanding is the cost will be limited to the printing of leaflets and the message will be addressed to both cyclists and pedestrians.

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It will be implemented by the beach patrol officers and local cyclists. There is no extra "policing" cost.

Let's not lose sight of the health and environmental benefits to Worthing of giving people a viable and sustainable alternative to the car.

Andrew Lawrenson is absolutely right, Worthing does need a proper cycle network.

The Worthing Cycle Forum, the Worthing Revolutions Cycle Campaign and Sustrans are trying to make that happen.

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The demand is there. West Sussex County Council's Household Travel Survey for 2008 found 65 per cent of respondents agreed with the statement: "I would like to reduce my car use but there are no practical alternatives."

More than 57 per cent of households reported having at least one bicycle, but 43 per cent of respondents agreed with the statement: "The roads are too dangerous for me to consider walking and/or cycling."

Despite this, it's an uphill struggle to get the levels of investment needed to enable more people to feel safe on a bike.

John Coote

Orchard Close

Ferring

NOTE: All letters must include a name and address.

Write in to Readers' Letters, Worthing Herald series, Cannon House, Chatsworth Road, Worthing, BN11 1NA, or email the Herald.

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Related topics:West Sussex County Council