Ruth Fletcher (Forum Chair) and Peter Silburn (Secretary) met with Jeremy Quin, Horsham’s MP to discuss improving conditions for cyclists.
Jeremy Quin in Southwater
We were encouraged that Jeremy clearly understands the benefits that providing for cycling brings to the whole community and the importance of future-proofing new developments to take into account the needs of people on bikes.
In a wide-ranging discussion we covered topics such as the doubling of cycling casualties in West Sussex, the shocking safety record of the A264 northern bypass, how cycle provision in West Sussex is falling behind compared with other counties and the scope for additional funding for the government’s Cycling and Walking Investment Strategy.
Jeremy was particularly interested in the potential of the Missing Link (fixing the gap in the Horsham to Crawley cycle route) and how to provide safe and convenient cycle access for any potential development North of Horsham. He commented that he certainly wouldn’t want to have to cross the planned new junctions on a bike or share roads going through the development with waste lorries heading for the landfill site.
We discussed how underpasses are the best all-round solution to providing access across busy dual carriageways and touched on concerns over how such basic transport infrastructure would be paid for while there is still a huge shortfall in funding for the west of Horsham development.
Jeremy asked to be copied in on correspondence to West Sussex County Council and to be kept informed of progress.
He expressed an interest in joining the All Party Parliamentary Cycling Group and we look forward to seeing him on their next annual cycle ride!
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