Covid crisis has highlighted cycling problems that were in Hastings before the pandemic

From: Andy Evison, St Saviour’s Road, St Leonards on Sea
Cycling in Hastings. Picture by Richard Platt SUS-170725-114548001Cycling in Hastings. Picture by Richard Platt SUS-170725-114548001
Cycling in Hastings. Picture by Richard Platt SUS-170725-114548001

Further the letter from your correspondent objecting to cyclists using the cycle track along the seafront. This is part of the national cycle route 2, which ultimately links Cornwall to Dover. Along most of our stretch there is a white line dividing it into two sections.

There are a few blue “cycle route” signs, some signs warning cyclists to beware of pedestrians. There are “cycle” stencils in various states, at random intervals along it. Therefore, it seems reasonable to expect adult pedestrians to have some awareness that there are other types of users too.

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As a frequent pedestrian, I am often astounded at the lack of awareness of their surroundings or anyone else shown by a few pedestrians. Sometimes, to the point that I wonder how they can be safe driving a car! For example, walking 3 or 4 abreast to the point where an approaching walker has to cross the full width of the path and onto the verge (where it exists) to pass. Some with dogs on extending leads walking on one side whilst their connected dog is on the other. They then glare with disapproval when they finally realise that they must pull the dog back to avoid entanglement.

Of course, there are small children learning to ride bikes, scooters or roller-skates and this provides an ideal setting for them to gain the skills, experience and pleasure from these activities. When cycling, I approach and pass them with extreme caution, as do nearly all the cyclists I see. There are few selfish riders, NOT the 80% suggested, just as there are selfish drivers, pedestrians, scooter riders, roller-skaters etc. but they are the exception not the rule.

One reasons for cycling is to travel further and faster than a walking pace so the suggestion of a 5mph limit is ridiculous. If I want to travel that slowly I walk. The 5mph is walking speed is questionably fast, 2 – 3 mph seems more likely. Would this apply to young children on skates, joggers, and wheelchair users and faster walkers too?

I cycle into town on the road as there are fewer of the hazards mentioned above. Occasionally, helpful advice is given by passing motorists, such as, ”There is a cycle-track over there!”. There are also the usual collection of dropped drain covers, unrepaired holes, parked drivers waiting to fling open their door into your path, rubble and other detritus.

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I do agree with last week’s correspondent, that there is the need for a proper review of the way cycling and walking can be sensibly co-ordinated to benefit to all types of user.

The most bizarre aspect of the cycle route occurs by Denmark Place. Here the arrows point cyclists off to the right along a much narrower route where there is total confusion for pedestrians, riders and other users. According to the council, It would be too dangerous for cyclists to cross the car park exit road, although after the Stade the route joins The A259, clearly less hazardous than a car park exit!

The current pandemic issues have just shown these problems more starkly than normal.

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