Youngsters call for cycle track

Representatives of the town's young people are calling for a cycle track along the seafront to close Bexhill's gap in the National Cycle Network.

Posters, leaflets and petitions are being circulated in an around the town.

Youth Council members will be visiting local schools.

Cycle tracks have been created on Hastings seafront and at Eastbourne but there is a gap in the national network at Bexhill, says the Youth Council.

Melissa Freeman, who chairs the Youth Council, says: "Cycling is a healthy activity for all ages which can also bring both social and economic benefits to the community.

"It is often said that young people are not getting enough exercise.

"Lots of pupils are taken to school by car, which causes traffic congestion and also it is less healthy inside a car than outside.

"As for older people, a British Medical Association study estimates that regular cycling to work could add 10 years to their life.

"Other towns are getting on with creating cycle tracks.

"We think it's time that the county council and Rother stepped on the pedals for Bexhill and got moving.

"Our campaign is starting by calling for the Cycle Network route to be implemented in Bexhill but we shall also be campaigning for safe cycle routes to schools and other places.

"It's good for health and good for the environment. I'm sure many more people would cycle if it could be made safer."

The Youth Council is planning a major cycle protest during National Bike Week.