If you are able to get out and about in the current crisis hopefully you are enjoying the quieter roads.
ChiCycle is concerned that as we ease out of lockdown we continue to have safe streets to walk and cycle on.
Narrow pavement widths, on-street parking, narrow bridges and pathways and non-existent cycle routes make me ask whether we can keep 2m safe distance apart from other pedestrians or road users. The Government has issued temporary emergency powers making it possible for Highways Authorities to put in slower speeds, pop up cycle routes, wider pavements and to remove on-street parking. Busy junctions like Eastgate Square in Chichester – the busiest crossing in West Sussex will surely need some changes to make sure that pedestrians can keep the 2m rule safely when more people are out and about.
We have put together this survey: https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/HFJRFXR
Please take part in the survey and share your concerns with your parish councillors, your County Councillor and with the Cabinet Member for Highways Roger Elkins: roger.elkins@westsussex.gov.uk
At this time of crisis we see towns and cities throughout the UK taking measures to change the default speed, open up safe routes for people on bikes and on foot. Let’s make sure that West Sussex doesn’t get left behind. With your support we can ensure that our streets are safe places to travel on foot and on bikes and really importantly are safe places to keep the coronavirus at a safe distance. 2 metres is much larger than most people realize.
With thanks to Sarah Sharp and Chicycle