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A temporary cycle lane in Worthing that has divided opinion since the first orange bollard appeared has finally opened for business.
West Sussex County Council began work on the controversial A24 Broadwater Road cycle lane last month, as part of a government scheme to encourage cycling during the pandemic.
The cycle lane has marked off one lane on each carriageway of the main road, causing significant congestion in and out of the town centre.
Critics have argued it increases pollution, restricts access for emergency vehicles and could put people off visiting the town, harming the recovery of local traders.
There were also complaints around the lack of cyclists using the lane up until now - explained by the fact it has not actually been open.
A spokesman for West Sussex County Council said the northbound and southbound sections parallel with Broadwater Green are not finished, as efforts to resolve an 'isue involving vehicles parked in that area long-term' are underway.
The council has asked the owners of the vehicles to move them, and is looking into what action can be taken to make sure the scheme is completed.
A council spokesman delivered the following 'reminder' about why the cycle lane has been introduced:
"The seven pop-up cycleways for West Sussex – funded by the Government – will create safe space for active travel and encourage people to cycle rather than use the car. They are an emergency response to increase travel options as part of the Government-led recovery plan from Covid-19," said the spokesman.
"The introduction of social distancing has reduced public transport capacity and people from different households are discouraged from car sharing.
"As an emergency response, the Government required the seven trial schemes to be planned and installed within three months. Given the timeframe, we consulted key partners including district and borough councils, emergency services and bus operators. Normally schemes of this nature would take years to develop and be subject to various stages of public consultation that might last two or more months and involve exhibitions, etc. This was not possible given the timescale limitations required.
"The cycleway routes are the result of collaborative work with the district and borough councils. Once fully installed and open, we will be encouraging would-be cyclists to experience the cycleways for themselves. This will be the chance for people to show how much they want the cycleway to stay.
"The schemes will be closely monitored to see how well used they are and any positive or negative impacts on congestion, safety and air quality. Adjustments will be considered and, if any of them do not work, they may be removed.
"Updates on the schemes, and feedback surveys, will be available online at www.westsussex.gov.uk/popupcyclelanes".
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