I WAS so encouraged to read about the plan to make Madeira Drive a "safe space for everyone". It proved its value for recreational exercise during lockdown one, when it was temporarily closed to motorised vehicles, but this didn't prove viable as a long-term solution.

The new plan will reduce the risk to pedestrians who wander into the current cycle lane painted on the pavement. And to the cyclists who suddenly have to swerve to avoid a collision or, worse, hit the unobservant pedestrian with

injuries to both.

Restoring a one-way road for cars and other motor vehicles will apparently satisfy local businesses (but remember,

cyclists and walkers buy things too).

There will still be car parking spaces and more blue badge bays for those with mobility restrictions.

And the space can still be used for those events which our city has become famous for.

Wouldn't it be nice if we could plan the whole city like this so that all of us are catered for and the more vulnerable feel safer.

But here in the UK we didn't have the foresight to plan that way and passively allowed our public spaces to become dominated by the ever-increasing demands of motorised traffic.

Realistically, we need to reduce our use of cars and trucks and encourage more active travel for the health of the planet and its people. Realistically, that's going to take time and money. So until that time, we all of us need to be more aware of others who share our travel and leisure space.

Pedestrians should be aware of cyclists and motor vehicles where pavements are shared as well as when crossing roads. Cyclists should only use the pavement where it is marked out for that purpose and should be mindful of the needs of pedestrians and car/lorry drivers.

Those drivers should also be aware of the rights and needs of pedestrians, cyclists, horse riders etc. We should all stay up to date with developments in the Highway Code and "share with care".

Steve Waters

Saltdean