Plans for ‘European-style’ cycle route between Emsworth and Chichester
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Rupert Emerson is putting together plans for ‘Chemroute’ - a cycle route which would run from the cross in Chichester city centre to the centre of Emsworth.
Having worked in transport research for some 20 years Mr Emerson, from Bosham, thinks this is the ‘perfect opportunity’ for a route for both commuters and leisure cyclists.
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Hide AdMr Emerson, who is also chairman of the Chichester cycle forum, has now formed the Chemroute Action Group.
“We now want suggestions and ideas from local people,” he said. “There is already a bit of a cycle track but this is a great opportunity for a cycle route, not just painted lines. We could have a track like they do in Spain, France, Belgium and Germany - proper dedicated cycle tracks separated from the main road, either raised or separated with a barrier.
“With a big, wide road like the A259 you could make it narrower, making it safer.
“Traffic would move more slowly when big vehicles pass one another. There is a massive demand for cycling but a lot of people are frightened, and quite rightly so - there are a lot of accidents. If we could switch from cars to bicycle we would have much cleaner air - the air quality in Chichester is very poor.”
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Hide AdMr Emerson said the design phase could take between six months to a year, while the route could be implemented over two years.
“It’s often said there is no money for these sorts of things. That is incorrect.
“The best way to get funding is from the local enterprise partnership, Coast to Capital. The second area of funding is from the Community Infrastructure Levy.”
A spokesman for West Sussex County Council said the route was ‘being considered’.
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Hide Ad“This route, along with all other potential schemes, will be considered for a priority list of potential cycling and walking improvements around the county.
“Information is being gathered over the coming months for the cabinet member for highways and transport to consider during the early part of 2016.”
See Chemroute.org.uk or find the group on Facebook
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