Hove’s cycle and pedestrian ‘freeway’ extension plan

A one-kilometre extension could be made to Hove’s widely-acclaimed continental-style cycle lane on the Old Shoreham Road.

The route, which already runs from Dyke Road to the Upper Drive, would be extended to Nevill Road, making it 2.7km in total – the longest such segregated urban bike and pedestrian facilities in the country.

It could feature a generous cycle track on each side of the road, between 1.5m-2m wide, separated from the road by a kerb.

The £1.4m cost would be met by a successful bid by the council for government Cycle City Ambition funding.  A result is expected imminently.  Cross-party support locally was a government condition of grant funding – and this has been pledged.

Cycling along the existing route has increased by 38 per cent, with journeys related to education doubling.  The extension would aim to make cycling to school or work easier and safer.  The proportion of riders saying they felt safe has quadrupled to around 80 per cent.

Hove Park School is backing the idea as a safer way for many of its 1600 pupils to get to their Nevill Road site.  It would also improve access to Hove Park’s leisure facilities and nearby employers.

Councillors are set to approve a public consultation exercise along the route.  A survey before the first phase in 2009 revealed 66 per cent in favour of a dedicated cycle lane. In 2011, 74 per cent of people surveyed about new pedestrian and cycle facilities supported them.

It is proposed councillors approve six weeks of consultation from early October to the end of December. If approved, and the funding was won, construction would take place between March and July next year.

Cllr Pete West chair of the environment, transport and sustainability committee said:  

“This would contribute to the core network of cycle and pedestrian routes we are setting up across the city.  By reallocating some space to these lanes we have made cycling and walking safer and more attractive especially to younger and inexperienced riders.  The existing lane has made Old Shoreham Road more pleasant, cut speeding by cars overtaking and improved the environment.

“The proposal also has support from neighbouring councils in the region.”

A report recommending the consultation will go before the committee on July 9.

Brighton & Hove is one of the UK’s official Cycling Demonstration Towns.

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