Pedestrians say speeding cyclists put them in danger

SPEEDING cyclists are putting pedestrians in danger on the seafront according to walkers who use the path.
WH 090514 Lancing residents Valerie Suttle and Clive Gabriel on the seafront path where speeding cyclists are a danger to pedestrians.WH 090514 Lancing residents Valerie Suttle and Clive Gabriel on the seafront path where speeding cyclists are a danger to pedestrians.
WH 090514 Lancing residents Valerie Suttle and Clive Gabriel on the seafront path where speeding cyclists are a danger to pedestrians.

Reports of pedestrians and dog walkers being verbally abused and cyclists ploughing through people are causing some to call for tougher control measures.

“These speeding cyclists spoil it for the many people who like a nice cycle ride on the path and do not bother anybody,” said Frances Smith of Shopsdam Road.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“The green and red zones are never observed. We need speed humps along there to calm the speed.”

Frances described the situation on the seafront as ‘scary’ and ‘dangerous’ for pedestrians.

Valerie Suttle lives in Brighton Road overlooking the cycle path, and says the problem is worse than it was last year.

“It is common for sprinting cyclists to shout and swear at pedestrians,” she said. “The F-word is the most usual expletive used.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The council put up signs telling cyclists to dismount at red zones, but Valerie said the signs were too small and too high to have any impact.

“My complaints are only about arrogant, inconsiderate and aggressive cyclists,” said Valerie.

“I find the footpath a dangerous place and at certain times makes me feel nervous.”

Valerie said once two men had cycled toward her, two-abreast, almost running her over and swearing, telling her to get out of the way.

“Near misses are an everyday event,” she said.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

West Sussex County Council is responsible for the path, but has not yet commented.

Lancing Parish Council clerk Colin Hunt said a number ‘serious accidents’ involving dogs and children had been reported.

“The footpath was re-designated a pedestrian priority route a couple of years ago which has had some effect on some cyclists but there is still the mindless minority who travel far too fast and ignore the red zones,” said Mr Hunt.

He admitted it was ‘very difficult’ to introduce hazards such as speed bumps to slow cyclists.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“I hope that the situation will not worsen when the new building and the kiosk are both open as there is likely to be more pedestrian movements in the red zoned area,” said Mr Hunt.

“I really doubt if anyone can come up with an idea that we haven’t considered already but I believe it just boils down to common courtesy on all sectors.”