The word on the Prom is that lots of people are very cross about the Council’s recent consultation and the overwhelming vote by our elected representatives to allow cycling on Eastbourne’s seafront. “It’s a fix!” “Only 0.5% of the population voted!” “Bespoke are a bullying minority.” Etc. Disability groups and others are lobbying Eric Pickles to overturn the decision. While this is surely unlikely, it is a possibility. And so, this is yet another call to arms. Or, more accurately, a call to fingers – can I urge you to type a few words on why you think it’s so important to amend Eastbourne’s seafront byelaws to allow cycling? Please send letters or emails (including your address and postcode) to:
Lisa Rawlinson
Senior Specialist Advisor
Eastbourne Borough Council
1 Grove Road, Eastbourne, East Sussex, BN21 4TW
Lisa.rawlinson@eastbourne.gov.uk
Thanks!
Also, we are looking for support for our Old Town Cycleway proposal – Bespoke’s vision for a safe and useful link between Polegate (the Cuckoo Trail) and Eastbourne Town centre via Old Town and local schools. Together with Eastbourne Can, we have launched a petition, which we aim to present to East Sussex County Council on 16th July. If you’re in favour, please sign up here.
We’re planning to talk to parents, teachers and children at the following schools in the next couple of weeks: Cavendish, Eastbourne College, Gildredge House, Motcombe, Ocklynge, Pashley Down, Polegate Primary, Ratton and Willingdon Community. If you can help out with a clipboard at drop-off or pick-up times, that would be great. Let me know: robertmcgowan@mac.com.
Interesting news on the Little Chelsea front – people who took part in a recent survey overwhelmingly backed traffic reduction and shared space in Grove Road and South Street. Details here. Great – might we yet see a chic piazza by the Town Hall?
And finally, be very careful if you’re cycling in Paradise Woods or Friston Forest. There have been alarming reports that lengths of fishing wire have been tied to trees at neck height across trails that are perfectly legitimately used by mountain bikers. Unbelievable. The police are apparently on the case.
Safe cycling!
Robert MacGowan
P.S. This is a brilliant post on why a good environment for cycling is a good environment for all, including those with mobility problems.
