Hastings cycle path refusal criticised by bike group

Hastings borough councillors held a vote last Thursday (December 15) on if to designate a shared cycle route through the park, as part of a scheme brought forward by East Sussex County Council.

But the proposals were blocked following a knife-edge vote.

Nick Hanna, chair of Sussex Greenways, said: “There is no evidence that shared use paths are dangerous for pedestrians. Most cyclists behave courteously and with consideration to more vulnerable users. We’re well aware of what it feels like to be vulnerable, with nearly 5,000 cyclists killed or seriously injured on our roads every year.

“Cyclists are not a separate part of the population - they are you and me choosing not to use our car for the day, your granny going to bowls, your nephew heading for the tennis courts, your brother getting some fresh air and exercise.”

Supporters argued the route would be necessary to make cycling a viable alternative to cars, while opponents argued it would pose a safety risk to users of the park.

Dave Smith, who organised protests against the proposals, said: “I am delighted for the elderly, disabled and vulnerable whose enjoyment of our green centrepiece would have been severely impacted. But at the same time I am gutted for the cyclists as they have waited 10 long years for their own route to town. This was never an anti-cycling campaign, far from it. This was a poorly implemented solution to try and solve a problem while spending as little as possible.

“I live in hope that the county council now sees sense and re-examines the possibility of using Lower and Upper Park Roads for a dedicated cycle lane where cyclists can cruise from Silverhill to the town and beyond without being bothered by lorries and sorting out one of the worst congested roads at the same time.”

An East Sussex County Council spokesperson said: “It is disappointing that Hastings Borough Council has not given its approval to permit a shared cycle route through Alexandra Park, which would have seen improvements made to walking and cycling routes in the park.

“As part of our work to promote active travel in Hastings, and thereby help improve health and wellbeing and reduce carbon emissions in the town, this project has been subject to public and stakeholder consultation over many years and was one of the priority routes in our Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan.

“We will be reviewing options, and the implications for the funding secured for the project, following Hastings Borough Council’s decision.”

At last week’s borough council meeting, the final result came in at 15 councillors voting in favour and 16 voting against.

Tribute paid to Hastings student, 11, who died after collision near Bexhill

Moving some cardiology services from Conquest Hospital in Hastings to Eastbourne will not be called in

Woman, 85, robbed outside St Leonards shop