New Horsham cycleway slammed as a ‘shambles’

The cycle lane - part of a government scheme to get people cycling - has led to traffic chaos along Albion Way.

The road has been reduced to one lane for cars, and one lane for cyclists - leading to traffic gridlock at the Bishopric traffic lights yesterday.

Angry drivers say that few cyclists are using the new cycle lane and many have taken to social media to vent their annoyance.

One driver labelled the new route as an ‘utter shambles’ and another blasted: “That lane needs removing before there is an accident.”

Many are saying that they have not seen any cyclists use the new route.

One resident said: “I was stuck for five minutes longer than I needed to be at 7pm on Tuesday night so I can only imagine what it will be like in the middle of the day.

“Traffic has reduced over the past six months but not by 50 per cent but they have halved the road capacity right in the heart of our town. It is bonkers but you can’t complain as you are labelled a Luddite by people who this doesn’t impact.”Work began on Monday to reallocate one lane of the north/eastbound route with 0.9km of protected cycle lane along Albion Way and the A281/B2237 Horsham ring road.

The northbound-only route starts in Albion Way, just north of the Sainsbury’s roundabout, and ends at Madeira Avenue.

A spokesman for West Sussex County Council said the route was one of seven pop-up cycleways in West Sussex and was funded by the Government.

He added: “They are an emergency response to increase travel options as part of the Government-led recovery plan from Covid-19.

“The introduction of social distancing has reduced public transport capacity and people from different households are discouraged from car sharing.

“As an emergency response, the Government required the seven trial schemes to be planned and installed within three months.

“Given the timeframe, we consulted key partners including district and borough councils, emergency services and bus operators.

“Normally schemes of this nature would take years to develop and be subject to various stages of public consultation that might last two or more months and involve exhibitions, etc.

“This was not possible given the timescale limitations required.”

Updates on the schemes, and feedback surveys, are available online at www.westsussex.gov.uk/popupcyclelanes”