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WSCC removes its own cycle lanes in Chichester

WSCC's Cabinet Member for Highways - Cllr Roger Elkins - has decided to remove the so called 'pop up' cycle lanes in Chichester.  This follows a review six weeks after the formal completion.  There was an increase in numbers of people cycling (albeit small), a lessening of pollution, no significant or sustained increase in vehicle congestion, and just one comment from the emergency services - all cut no ice with Mr Elkins.   And no notice taken of suggested improvements.  Instead he was swayed by some extremely noisy opposition from members of the public.

Highway Code consultation

The consultation on proposed changes to the Highway Code is open until 27 October 2020.    See https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/review-of-the-highway-code-to-improve-road-safety-for-cyclists-pedestrians-and-horse-riders/summary-of-the-consultation-proposals-on-a-review-of-the-highway-code and https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/K736D5/.    There's also good guidance on the proposed changes on the Cycling UK website at https://www.cyclinguk.org/safer-highway-code-cyclists

 

 

The Seven EATF schemes are now complete

The seven Emergency Active Travel Fund (EATF) schems are now complete.  You can see them at https://www.westsussex.gov.uk/roads-and-travel/roadworks-and-projects/road-projects/pop-up-cycle-lanes/.  and fill in the feedback form - or you can email popupsurveys@westsussex.gov.uk

Downs Link - missing link - now open!

September saw the opening of a previously disused section of the Downs Link on the old Guildford Railway Line behind Christ’s Hospital station. The upgrade – a long-term collaborative project between Christ’s Hospital School and West Sussex County Council – will mean that anyone using the Downs Link between Mill Lane and Christ’s Hospital Station will now be able to do so safely off-road. The works to the ‘missing’ 1.4km section of the Downs Link included repairing two bridges, vegetation clearance, surfacing, drainage and platform repairs.

ChEm Route alternative proposal published by CDCF and Bournes Forum

Highways England (HE), WSCC and CDC are discussing the HE feasibiity study for ChEmRoute.  Time is of the essence and HE is progressing rapidly - Adriana Chirovici has been appointed as the Project Manager for the scheme.   To both clarify the CDCF's position as well as offer an alternative vision, CDCF and the Bournes Forum have published an alternative document.

Half the Shoreham A270 scheme scrapped before work starts

Half the scheme has been cancelled because of political pressure from the Leader of Adur District Council.  The stretch from the Holmbush roundabout to the Brighton border will not be built.   See https://www.westsussex.gov.uk/news/revised-shoreham-cycleway-scheme-work-s-set-to-start-soon/.      Most disappointing that it's political and not based on an assessment by WSCC engineers on the efficacy of the scheme..   

First of the COVID-19 schemes opens on August 21

The first of the seven schemes in West Sussex that are funded by the Emergency Active Travel Fund (EATF) - the one in Chichester - will be completed ready for opening on the 21st August.  It is a route that runs between the railway station and the hospital.   

WSCC bids for £4.7M of Government money for Tranche 2

A bid for £4.7million worth of improvements and initiatives for cyclists and pedestrians has been put forward to encourage active travel choices in West Sussex.   Tranche Two of the Department for Transport’s Emergency Active Travel Fund was submitted on Friday 7 August and includes projects for:   

Robust guidance for cycling infrastructure and unambiguous message from Boris Johnson

This is the Government notice - crucially including sentences that are deliberately worded and unambiguous.  No longer will Councils and HE be able to get away with shoddy or substandard schemes.    Let’s hope that the Government follows through with action, although it has a get out clause by calling this ‘guidance'.*****This email is to let you know that on 27 July the Department for Transport published revised national guidance for highway authorities and designers on cycle infrastructure design.

Construction work starts on the first of seven temporary cycleway schemes in West Sussex.

This is taken directly from the WSCC website.   Construction work starts on the first of seven temporary cycleway schemes in West Sussex in the week begining July 27th and is likely to take about a fortnight to complete.   The Chichester scheme will connect the Spitalfield Lane, hospital area with the city’s railway station, creating a 2km-long “keyworker corridor” for safe cycling. The route will also link to the central retail area and other major employment sites, such as the University of Chichester.

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