‘Where would Sussex cycle routes be built if not along existing roads?’

Like most opponents of the new cycle lanes, the Herald, in its opinion column of October 29, fails to suggest any realistic alternative, writes Ray Chandler, The Drive, Shoreham.
The  Worthing cycle laneThe  Worthing cycle lane
The Worthing cycle lane

The paper’s call for a new network of cycle routes that do not impinge on roads is unrealistic and disingenuous. Where would this network be built if not along existing roads? Through people’s gardens? In tunnels? Hanging from sky hooks?

The only practical and affordable place for most cycle lanes is on existing roadspace, and of course this causes some inconvenience. But we are facing a major and worsening problem. Unless we can reduce car usage we will suffer the devastating effects of irreversible environmental damage and a soaring public health crisis. Avoiding these is perhaps worth a little inconvenience and sacrificing some on-street parking space?

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Encouraging people who can cycle to use their bikes more and use their cars less by providing safe segregated lanes is a sensible, practical way to start achieving essential change in our travel behaviour.

Putting off inconvenience by doing nothing is the way to guarantee that a crisis becomes a catastrophe.

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