Problems for Chichester cyclists – and how city could be improved

A new cycle lane is painted - picture by Eddie Mitchell

I was very sorry to read that a councillor had such a horrible experience while cycling in Chichester.

I am writing as one who has cycled for over 60 years, including over 40 in Chichester, and my bike is my normal means of transport from Summersdale into and about the city.

On the whole I am quite happy cycling in Chichester, and there are some good recent improvements and plans, and parking for bikes is good.

But there are one or two places I regard as downright dangerous, and I am aware of others, quite experienced cyclists, who are distinctly chary about cycling locally.

To develop some points of detail:

The problem with Northgate is that the planners did not allow for the most dangerous time for a cyclist being to pull away from rest – yet, if cyclists are to use it as planned, this is what is required at every junction. I find the exit to St Paul’s Road especially dangerous because of the speed of cars at that point.

I think that the most dangerous place in Chichester for a cyclist is The Hornet. To come from The Hornet to St Pancras and then turn left into New Park Road requires particular vigilance.

The 20mph speed limit should be enforced. I have been overtaken by a car doing 42mph up College Lane!

Some of the local road surfaces leave a great deal to be desired – try cycling east along Brandy Hole Lane!

More use could be made of contrary cycle traffic in a one way street, as is almost standard in the Low Countries.

The cycle track too often disappears at a road junction, for instance at the western ends of The Avenue and The Broadway.

I am concerned at the present lack of consideration for cycling from new developments, e.g. Whitehouse Farm, especially if this means that we lose the present southern entrance to Centurion Way.

Authorities both national and local tell us that they want to encourage cycling, but, to achieve that, early action is needed to enable people to feel safe if we are to build on the recent increase in cycling. I would like our leaders to visit Holland and see and learn how really to provide for cycling and cyclists.