FAQs
Why is the scheme required?
We are working to improve walking and cycling networks across West Sussex. By encouraging more walking and cycling, particularly for shorter journeys such as trips to school, we can help to create safer, more pleasant places in which to live, work and do business.
Underpinning our approach to improving the transport network within the county is the West Sussex Transport Plan 2022-2036 (opens in new window). It sets out how the County Council is intending to address a number of challenges, including climate change, congestion, public health and road safety.
The routes will help achieve national targets for cycling and walking to be the natural first choice for many journeys with half of all journeys in towns and cities being cycled or walked by 2030.
How much will the scheme cost and how is it being funded?
At this early stage of design, a detailed costing exercise has not yet been undertaken, however we expect the scheme costs to be in line with similar cycle schemes being delivered around the country. To be successful, the schemes would need to demonstrate good value for money and are subject to the development of business cases.
An external funding stream would be used to deliver the proposals. This includes developer contributions and central Government grants that are intended for active travel schemes.
Congestion is more of an issue in the area, why are you not improving this first?
The West Sussex Transport Plan 2022-2036 (opens in new window) 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 Worthing, particularly those people that are less confident cyclists. The routes would provide connections towards a number of key destinations within Worthing and beyond, including schools, employment, retail and leisure destinations, as well as Railway Stations. The scheme would therefore make it easier for people to walk or cycle to these destinations, and more widely across Worthing, rather than using their vehicles.
Have you taken on board the concerns raised by residents about the temporary cycle lane installed along the A24 Broadwater Road corridor during COVID?
In response to COVID-19 restrictions in 2020, the County Council introduced a temporary ‘pop-up’ cycle lane along the A24 Broadwater Road corridor. We have listened to the feedback received about that scheme and intend to develop solutions that respond to the concerns raised.
Are you expecting to deliver both corridors?
If insufficient funding is available to construct both corridors, then it may be the case that a priority route needs to be identified for delivery. However, at the moment we are seeking feedback on both corridors.
Could on-street parking be affected by the proposals?
In order to accommodate the cycling and walking facilities, it may be necessary to restrict some on-road parking in some areas. If this is necessary, the impacts on parking will be assessed as the scheme is developed.
Will the proposals be designed in accordance with LTN 1/20?
The detailed designs that we will develop later this year will be designed in accordance with LTN 1/20 (opens in new window) (Department for Transport Cycle Infrastructure Design Guidance).
Are you considering any bus priority measures/improvements to services?
The range of improvements we are considering primarily focus on improved facilities for walking and cycling. However, where these facilities intersect a bus stop, we will explore ways in which to upgrade them.
Will the proposals link up to existing walking/cycling infrastructure?
The improvements along both corridors have the potential to connect to the existing National Cycle Network route 2 along Worthing seafront.
Can the corridor 1 scheme extend along the A27 to provide a connection to the A24 Findon Valley?
There is an opportunity to provide an onward link for the corridor 1 route along the A27 to provide a connection to the A24 Findon Valley. However, this is subject to separate National Highways proposals for the A27 in the area.
What are the next steps?
At the end of the early engagement period the feedback will be carefully analysed and we will share a summary engagement report on the scheme webpages. The report will contain the analysis of the types of responses received and will help us in our decision making about the designs.
If we decide to progress the schemes, the feedback used will help to develop more detailed designs. These designs would then be presented as part of a further consultation period, which we would expect to take place later this year.
This further consultation would provide the opportunity for people to view and comment on more detailed designs of the proposals.
When would you expect the schemes to be built?
Future progression of the schemes will be informed by the outcomes of this engagement period. Subject to the feedback we receive, we hope to carry out further consultation on the designs later this year.
Construction would be subject to a business case, all relevant statutory processes (e.g. planning) and securing central Government funding for scheme delivery. It is therefore not possible to confirm a delivery timescale at this stage.
I want to speak to a member of the project team, what should I do?
You can either email any comments or questions to the team at LTP@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