THERE’S been a lot of debate about the temporary cycle lanes in Old Shoreham Road. All are valid viewpoints but sometimes people appear to forget that the current way we move around Brighton and Hove is terribly unfair to some, highly polluting and actually quite inefficient.

Just trying to maintain the status quo, in terms of car access, as councils have for years has actually made traffic worse and denied people choice.

It’s time for something different, for our health, the NHS and to give people greater access to opportunities. The cycle lanes along Old Shoreham Road are not as well used as they might be but have led to people cycling

there who would never have done so before. More will come when the surrounding road network is made to feel safer.

That’s why I welcome calls (Argus Letters, March 9) for more discussion to look at other routes through Hove.

However, to suggest that cycle lanes should be on Portland Road or New Church Road instead of Old Shoreham Road misses the point. These might be places where cycle infrastructure is needed, but how do they replace the

need for a route further north across town? How do they provide access to Benfield Valley, Hove Cemetery, Neville Sports Ground, Martlets Hospice, Hove Park and the many schools and shops located close to, or on, Old

Shoreham Road?

I appreciate that temporary measures are not ideal. That’s why I’d like to see more focus on permanent changes, which bring greater benefits all round. However, temporary measures have provided some improvements, while

also highlighting where there are issues.

One of the things that sticks in my mind is from when I was on holiday. My daughter, who was quite young but happily cycling around independently, turned to me and said: “Why can’t it be like this at home?”

I couldn’t really answer her, not least because there was no reason except for a mindset that marginalised the transport needs of children, the vulnerable and non-drivers. Rather belatedly there is a recognition that this needs to

change, but we have a very long way to go.

Chris Todd

Planning and transport campaigner

Brighton and Hove Friends of the Earth