FAQs

The scheme is required because Oaklands Way currently has no dedicated cycling facilities alongside a busy dual carriageway. People cycling must share the road with general traffic and buses, which can feel unsafe and discourage cycling for shorter, everyday journeys. Some sections of footway are also narrow, and existing crossings could be improved to make walking and wheeling safer and more convenient.

The improvements would provide a safer, more direct route, reduce conflict between different road users, improve access to key destinations such as the University of Chichester and St Richard’s Hospital, and connect with the wider walking and cycling network. The scheme would also support the objectives of the West Sussex Transport Plan and Chichester LCWIP by encouraging healthier, lower-carbon travel and helping to address congestion, air quality, public health and road safety.

A detailed cost estimate has not yet been prepared at this stage of the design process. However, we expect the cost to be broadly in line with comparable schemes being delivered elsewhere in the county. Before it could proceed, the scheme would need to demonstrate good value for money through the development and approval of a business case.

The proposals would be delivered using external funding, including developer contributions and central government grants allocated to active travel schemes.

The West Sussex Transport Plan 2022-2036 identified the need for improvements to highways, public transport and active travel facilities to tackle congestion. The County Council and organisations such as National Highways are developing a range of improvements so that they can be delivered as funding opportunities arise.

By providing a safe space for cycling that is off the carriageway, we aim to encourage more people to cycle within Chichester, particularly those people that are less confident cyclists. The route would provide connections towards a number of key destinations such as the University of Chichester and St Richard’s Hospital. As such, the scheme would therefore make it easier for people to walk, wheel or cycle to these destinations, and more widely across Chichester, rather than using their vehicles.

In response to COVID-19 restrictions in 2020, the County Council introduced a temporary ‘pop-up’ cycle lane along A286 between Northgate Gyratory and New Park Road roundabout. We have listened to the feedback received about that scheme, which included some concerns over a lack of road capacity leading to congestion, and limited passing opportunities for emergency vehicles, and have proposed a scheme that we believe responds to the concerns raised at that time.

Progression of the scheme will be informed by the outcomes of this consultation. Further design work is needed before the scheme can be constructed. Construction would be subject to demonstrating good value for money through the development and approval of a business case and securing the funding. It is therefore not possible to confirm a delivery timescale at this stage.

Before any construction on the scheme starts, a Construction Management Plan will be published to minimise the impact on the local community as much as possible. This will detail any temporary road closures, along with changes to access for pedestrians and cyclists, as well as diversion routes.

You can either email any comments or questions to the team at activetravel@westsussex.gov.uk or you can telephone 01243 642105. If you are deaf and have the NGT app installed on your PC, laptop, or mobile phone, you can contact us on 18001 01243 642105.