Plans for cycling along Eastbourne seafront are risk for pedestrians

From: Ron SpicerEastbourne
File: Eastbourne seafront. SUS-200826-133824001File: Eastbourne seafront. SUS-200826-133824001
File: Eastbourne seafront. SUS-200826-133824001

There have recently been a couple of letters in the Herald advocating cycling along the length of the parades on Eastbourne seafront.

Will not those who support such a scheme sensibly accept that, years ago, the whole of the seafront was designed for pedestrians to parade at leisure, in peace and harmony, without having to constantly be aware of the possible faster moving two wheeled object that has to be forever in mind; that children will always wander without heed of danger and that elderly folk will not have to envisage rapidly trying to dodge a fast approaching cyclist.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

As happened with cyclists on the roads, riding two abreast for considerable distances, holding up the traffic without due consideration, and even still not regarding when politely reminded of a vehicle’s presence by a quick toot from behind, so it would be along the seafront, a lack of consideration; they are mounted on a machine for the purpose of faster trafficking, usually a means of getting somewhere more easily and faster.

If riding a pedal cycle, what pleasure is there in always having to heed, to dodge, leisure enjoying pedestrians?

Why the riding along a pedestrian way anyway?

Surely the reason for extra speed afforded by a pedal cycle is obvious!

Cycling is in part a satisfied need as well as a recreation which affords faster travel, and seafront pedestrian walks are parades that satisfy the main general public want which, especially in Eastbourne, is a unique factor, something that makes Eastbourne special for many.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Advocating cycling along those parades is a nonsense; why introduce a risk which hitherto is not there?

For years now the main argument that cyclists should’ve taken up was not only initially ignored but on occasions opposed; that is the provision for a main cycling/pedestrain artery between Hampden Park and the town through that large green area, totally apart from vehicular traffic, aloof from the danger and fumes.

Even with the promise by the CEO of Sainsbury’s at the time to afford access to that green area there was no active participation by either of our councils.

If the general public including cyclists were also to take up this matter there is just the possibility that such a very convenient connection between Hampden Park and the town would be accomplished.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Now, who would like to walk or ride into town totally aloof from vehicular traffic fumes and danger and that of course includes invalid carriages!

As the recognised need for people to increasingly take to cycling for both healthy recreation and travelling on necessary journeys, so the councils involved should be applying themselves to satisfy such a need but alas, such a purpose has never been embarked upon; indeed representatives of our two councils involved in such matters have for more than half a century not only disregarded the subject but at times have ignored or opposed ideas that have been proposed, sometimes using artifice to dodge the matter .

There we have it, insufficient drive by those that could achieve mixed with some who unreasonably would unnecessarily create a risk to pedestrians and I just hope that the latter fails!

Related topics: