Cycle lanes to be removed
The pop-up cycle lanes through the city centre will be removed, according to the county council, after a survey showed them to be hugely unpopular.
The controversial cycle lanes in Chichester will be removed after more than 80 per cent of survey respondents strongly opposed it becoming a permanent fixture, West Sussex County Council has confirmed.
The cycle route, which runs from St Richard’s Hospital in Spitalfield Lane through to the railway station, has been subject to much criticism from residents after it first appeared in August.
Congestion was the biggest concern raised by those taking the survey, followed by the lack of cyclists using the lanes.
The decision is contained in a cabinet member’s decision which is subject to call in. Roger Elkins, cabinet member for highways and infrastructure, said: “It’s clear that while the cycleway did provide a safe route for cycling, the extraordinary circumstances during national lockdown that led to their introduction no longer exists.
“By removing the scheme we will return the network to its pre-pandemic state.
“I would like to thank everyone who took the time and trouble to provide us with feedback and reassure residents we remain committed to our long-standing walking and cycling strategy with all the permanent benefits this will bring for active and sustainable travel.
“We have a continued ambition to support investment in sustainable and active travel and the data gathered and the experience of providing this cycleway will help us when delivering future schemes.”
A council officer’s decision
report said: “Elements of the temporary scheme may form the basis of permanent solutions that will be developed with future
tranches of funding.”
The report added: “Since the online survey has been live we have received a total of 2,684 completed surveys.
“More than 80 per cent strongly opposed the popup cycle lane becoming permanent, with only 6.14 per cent strongly supporting and 1.97 per cent supporting.
“Of the respondents 344 reported having used the pop-up cycle lane, 87 having intentions of using it, 1,909 having no plans to use it and 344 not yet used it.
“Meanwhile 150 emails relating to the Chichester scheme were received.
“Primarily, congestion was the biggest concern, with lack of cyclists seen being a secondary concern for residents
“A total of 12 wands had to be repaired at a total cost of £1,155.”
Comments from readers of the Observer flooded in following the announcement with many celebrating the news.
Tracy Phillips said: “Thank goodness for that! Such an eyesore, looks like we’re having road works everywhere and practically no one uses them but just cause more traffic. Good riddance.”