Seafront cycling is legal along popular stretch of promenade

The lawful authority to ride cycles on 1.75km of seafront between Gloucester Road and Nyewood Lane took effect on Monday.

The decision to replace the previous bylaw which banned cycling from that stretch of the prom was taken by Arun District Council’s cabinet member for environmental services, Paul Dendle. He gave two reasons for his decision.

“(It will) encourage cycling to become a more acceptable mode of transport and, like many other seaside towns, demonstrate support and commitment to a healthier lifestyle,” he stated.

He said the off-road cycling route would also create a safe cycling environment for Butlin’s clients and support Sustrans in its work to complete the national cycle route two from Bognor to Chichester, and open up a greater cycle network for clients who are more experienced cyclists. The new route links up with the previous 700m-long seafront cycling route from Gloucester Road to Felpham’s Outram Road opened in June 2010.

More off-road cycle routes were a top priority wanted by residents for Arun’s new leisure strategy.