Mayor speaks out about Chichester cycle lane scheme

Speaking to The Observer, Mayor Richard Plowman said he is 'very much' supporting improved cycling provisions in Chichester but said the scheme suffered from a 'fundamental lack of communication' initially.

Concerned residents have been up in arms about the new temporary cycle route which will link Spitalfield Lane with the city's railway station.

A spokesman for West Sussex County Council has said the cycleway is nearing completion and so cannot be fairly assessed yet.

Chichester cycle lanes: County council responds following backlashMayor Plowman said: "The original idea which followed on from Covid was to think of better ways and more sustainable ways of getting into the city.

"The problem is; it seems to have been rushed in terms of the final design. We don't know what it will look like yet which doesn't help.

Northgate cycle event postponed"It seems there was a fundamental lack of communication at the beginning. There is a great deal of confusion and a lot of people have reported back that cyclists don't seem to be using it.

"It has slowed down traffic. It is a temporary thing and it is going to be reviewed so there is time to see whether it works or not.

"I think, at the moment, the jury is out on that. So far there is evidence against it.

Chichester cycle scheme a ‘pointless eyesore’ – could money be better spent?"I'm supporting cycling and very much supporting cycle lanes but they have got to be safe and practical cycle lanes."

Criticism of the scheme flooded in as many residents raised concerns about the route's effect on emergency service vehicles.

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