ARCHIVED
 
A27 Polegate
 
A representative of Bespoke met with Sustrans and other stakeholders, and made good contact with other cycle groups. He strongly emphasised the need for a good cycle route the whole length of the A27, ideally for commuting as well as recreation. Funds etc limits this. The “Old Coach Road” track which skirts the Downs was considered, but in its present state is not an option.
Seafront
The most recent information to hand regarding the proposed cycle route from Hollywell to the Wishtower is as follows:
Meads Residents Association most recent newsletter states that this is for “promenading only”, quoting a Victorian statement. (However in Victorian times there was also social class segregation in force on the 3 levels, and no dotto train). There were only 3 complaints when cycling was allowed. A letter to respond to the Meads newsletter is being drafted and will on approval be sent to them.
Councillor Goodwin has proposed the middle prom for cycling.
Illegal and obstructive parking
It has been pointed out that on private land you can print your own parking tickets from the internet!
For obstructive parking in public places, call the Police on their non emergency number or Council Law Enforcement Officer, and they should attend and take action if they can see the offending vehicle. This worked at Motcombe school with regular offenders. Ideally take vehicle numbers and photos.
Where taxis offend – take their vehicle number and car badge number and report to the Licensing Officer at the Council. Culprits get sent a form and have to respond to the complaint.
Driveway parking
The Audit on reversing into driveways is now completed. It focused in on the road that leads to the biggest school in Europe. Positive thank you notes were left at the addresses of the third that were parked facing out. Two-thirds were parked face in. We therefore need an education campaign. Reversing out into a main road has been suggested as illegal although not yet confirmed and consumes more petrol, quite apart from safety issues. We will try to contact the AA for more information and will draw up a leaflet and e-mail to distribute. There will be a re-audit in due course.
 
Cycle pressure group formed

Published Date: 07 August 2008 – Eastbourne Gazette and Herald
A NEW group has been set up in Eastbourne to campaign for a better deal for cyclists.
Click here for the full article
Radio interview

Published Date: November 2008 – Southern Radio
Felicity brings Bespoke details and aims to a wider audience.
Click here for the radio interview
Cycling Updates – From Eastbourne Borough – November 08
This is part of a message from the director of Economy, Environment and tourism to cabinet member Cllr Steve Wallis, after a recent county council meeting.
The meeting with the County’s Cycling Officer (In fact a transport planner called Robin Reed) was very positive. It seems the County has just commissioned some major studies as part of the Local Transport Plan. One will look at options to improve transport from Sovereign Harbour to the Town Centre, including cycling. Clearly the seafront has to be one of the options for cycling. We will work with ESCC on this study. A number of actions were agreed, including bringing a report to Cabinet in December. A seafront inspection will be carried out with Robin to get his detailed views on the proposals I shared with you earlier. So far, good news!
Cycle pressure group formed

Published Date: 07 August 2008 – Eastbourne Gazette and Herald
A NEW group has been set up in Eastbourne to campaign for a better deal for cyclists.
The group is called Bespoke and as well as encouraging people to take two wheels, it will act as a pressure group to make Eastbourne a safer place in which to cycle.
Felicity Goodson said the group would campaign for more cycle paths.
"There aren't enough cycle paths in Eastbourne and some of those we do have end abruptly," said Felicity."I have been cycling all of my life and am passionate about it. It's healthier, kinder to the atmosphere, great fun and means the roads are less congested. Eastbourne is aiming to be a carbon neutral town and initiatives to increase cycling should go towards this." The group says it will take its campaign to the council and also wants to see people take cyclists seriously.
"A culture change is needed," said Felicity, "so cyclists are seen as legitimate road users who might otherwise be in a car." Already members have built a cycle and scooter shelter at Motcombe School to encourage the children to cycle. The shelter has been so popular that members are planning to return to the school to double the size of it.
Eastbourne Borough Council has welcomed the formation of the group and councillors said this week they were looking forward to working with members. Council leader David Tutt said, "We are very committed to working with Bespoke to help everyone focus on making the right choices for cyclists in Eastbourne. "Councillor Susan Morris has been instrumental in setting the group up and she attended its first meeting last month. We are committed to having a cycle lane on the seafront and I am pleased to learn that the county council is investigating improvements to our cycle lanes."
Anyone interested in joining Bespoke can contact Felicity on 07913 472 209.