PEOPLE in Eastbourne are being asked to have their say on proposals for new cycle routes in the town.
East Sussex County Council and Eastbourne Borough Council are holding a public consultation in January seeking the public’s views on six proposed routes.
As part of the consultation, people will be able to view and discuss the plans at an exhibition at Eastbourne Town Hall.
Cllr Carl Maynard, East Sussex County Council lead member for transport and environment, said: “Eastbourne already has cycling rates above the national average and these new routes will enable us to encourage more people to get on their bikes.
“The new routes will help to reduce congestion, improve air quality and public health, while they will also have economic benefits in allowing people without a car to access employment, education and training.
“We’d encourage as many people as possible to take part in the consultation and give us their views, which will inform any decision on how the new cycle routes take shape.”
Cllr Steve Wallis, Eastbourne Borough Council portfolio holder for the environment, said: “Eastbourne already benefits from a number of established cycle routes, but the western side of the town has very limited cycling infrastructure, despite accommodating schools, colleges and university campuses.
“With over 80 per cent of Eastbourne’s working population living within 5km of their workplace, there is great potential to increase cycling within the town, and these new routes will help us to achieve this.”
The proposed new routes are:
– Railway Station to Ringwood Road
– Lottbridge Drove to Langney roundabout
– Along the Promenade from Wish Tower to Fisherman’s Green
– Seafront to town centre via Cornfield Road
– University (Meads) to seafront and town centre
– Eastbourne DGH to town centre via Commercial Road
The consultation, which runs from Thursday, January 2 to Friday, January 31, includes an online questionnaire which can be completed at http://www.eastsussex.gov.uk/yourcouncil/consultation/default.htm
The public exhibitions will be held in the Court Room at Eastbourne Town Hall on Friday, January 10 from 2pm to 7pm and Saturday, January 11 from 10am to 2pm.