West Sussex to receive up to £784,000 for new cycling and walking support

West Sussex County Council could make use of up to £784,000 from the government to support safer cycling and walking as coronavirus lockdown restrictions are gradually eased.

The local authority said schemes will largely be temporary, such as pop-up cycle lanes and some road closures, but may evolve into permanent changes.

They will promote cycling and walking as a replacement for journeys in areas which, until the Covid crisis, were heavily used by public transport, especially for short journeys, but would be more attractive to cyclists as routes if measures were taken.

Councillor Roger Elkins, cabinet member for highways and infrastructure, said:

“This initial funding is welcome news and will boost provision for safe space cycling and walking in the county.

“We hope to make further announcements on funding for both walking and cycling provision in the county once we have details of second tranche funding.”

Local authority officers claimed that news of extra funding levels has been “eagerly awaited” since May 9, when the Transport Secretary announced a £250 million boost nationally for cyclists and pedestrians to help them socially distance more easily during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Roger added:

“Since May 9, our officers have been working hard, liaising with our district and borough council partners to draw up a list of priority schemes and we have commissioned consultants to start to develop these into workable designs that can be implemented.

“Many of these potential schemes have been drawn from Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plans that have been developed across the county.

“Now we know the level of initial funding, we can accelerate those schemes which best fit the Department for Transport’s criteria for the emergency measures.”

But timing is critical — according to councillors, the Department for Transport wants to see all proposals by Friday (5 June) so it can decide if they are suitable for funding.

The £784,000 is not guaranteed and may be clawed back should schemes not be started within four weeks of allocation.

The money will be needed to fund the implementation, maintenance and monitoring of the schemes, which the council claimed will be closely monitored to ensure they are having a positive impact on local travel.

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