Next steps for future of Horsham’s cycle lane are set out

The next steps in the future of Horsham’s controversial new pop-up cycle way have been set out by West Sussex County Council.
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Usage of the Albion Way route is being monitored through automatic counters with information on cyclist numbers, traffic congestion, and more.

The county council said it is also looking at feedback from stakeholders and this, along with the data, will be reviewed on a rolling basis in October and November.

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Once the data has been analysed the county council said it will decide to either keep the cycle way for a further period and a future review, make alterations to the route and review in future or remove the cycle way.

Albion Way Covid 19 pop up cycle lane in Horsham. Pic Steve Robards SR2009231 SUS-200923-144207001Albion Way Covid 19 pop up cycle lane in Horsham. Pic Steve Robards SR2009231 SUS-200923-144207001
Albion Way Covid 19 pop up cycle lane in Horsham. Pic Steve Robards SR2009231 SUS-200923-144207001

The scheme has been under fire from furious residents who branded the cycle way ‘daft but potentially very dangerous’.

People also raised concerns emergency vehicles may not be able to get through the gridlock.

A county council spokesman said: “We are holding weekly meetings with the ambulance, police and fire and rescue services to discuss any issues they may have with the cycleways and look at where any improvements need to be made.”

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Horsham District councillor Peter Burgess, cabinet member for Horsham town, said ‘very few’ cyclists have been observed using the scheme and ‘significant safety issues’ had been found.

But he said that although the cycleway initially caused considerable traffic congestion especially on the Worthing Road, subsequent surveys have shown little evidence of delays. County councillor Roger Elkins, cabinet member for highways and infrastructure, said: “The Horsham trial cycleway scheme was agreed in consultation with Horsham District Council and its design was subject to a safety review prior to installation. We are aware of concerns raised about the cycleway in Horsham and Horsham District Council’s feedback will form part of the review process.

“We have already addressed several of the concerns raised by Cllr Burgess in his letter and others will be considered as part of the post-construction safety review.”

To give feedback see www.westsussex.gov.uk/popupcyclelanes