Arun council asked to endorse priority walking and cycling routes

The draft plan identifies a number of priority cycling routes including the Littlehampton to Worthing Strategic Link and the Littlehampton to Worthing Coastal Link. The plan also identifies seven core walking and wheeling zones in Pagham, Bognor, Barnham, Arundel, Angmering, Rustington and Littlehampton.

Research looked at how people travel around the district, accessibility, road safety, the condition of existing routes and also sourced feedback from residents. Officers at Arun District Council found evidence of a strong demand for investment in active travel in the area.

Many respondents of the public consultation raised concerns over unsafe road crossings, potholes, poor pavement maintenance and fragmented cycle routes.  While showing support for more connected routes along the seafront and to the South Downs, safer routes to schools and improved accessibility in town centres.

Phase one of the consultation found that out of 859 respondents, 14 per cent identified mobility issues affecting their travel. Phase 2 had 570 responses and found that 71 per cent wanted safer junctions and 69 per cent wanted safer crossings.

The plan could help to support future transport planning and investments, including bids for external funding from organisations such as Active Travel England. It directly contributes towards delivery of the Arun Local Plan, Arun Active Travel Network Plan and the Council’s Climate Emergency Action Plan.

The report states that delivery will largely be dependent on external funding availability and partnership working.  As a result, it has highlighted short, medium and long term priorities, including crossing improvements and cycle parking, among other low-cost tasks in the short-term.

Officers recommend that the plan is endorsed by the council’s planning policy committee when they meet on September 3, so it can be used to inform and support future planning and bids for funding across the district.