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Cycling on the prom trial ends
Cycling on the prom trial ends
The year-long trial which allowed cycling on Felixstowe Promenade has now ended.
The byelaw which prohibited cycling on the Prom was lifted last year to allow for safe and considerate cycling for a period on 12 months and this period will be extended until a formal decision is made later this year.
Temporary signs have been installed to promote the trial and inform both pedestrians and cyclists that the Prom is now a shared space, with cycling permitted. The signs stress the need for cyclists to be mindful of pedestrians and to dismount in crowded or narrow areas.
The trial was put in place after the request from Felixstowe Town Council, which led to a consultation conducted by Felixstowe Forward in 2016; the results of which concluded that the majority of people would like to see cycling allowed on the Prom.
Cllr TJ Haworth-Culf, Cabinet Member for Customers, Communities and Leisure, said:
“We’ve had some positive feedback from the trial and we’re now working with Felixstowe Town Council and Felixstowe Forward to collate the results of the trial in detail before a final decision is made.”
Background:
In January 1983, Suffolk Coastal District Council passed some byelaws about ‘Riding Bicycles’, which make cycling on the Felixstowe Promenade unlawful where there are signs put up to prohibit this.
In November 2015, Felixstowe Town Council considered the byelaws purpose, asking if it was still appropriate.
The Town Council asked Suffolk Coastal District Council to consider the removal of notices prohibiting cycling on Felixstowe Prom for a period of no less then 12months; and, pending an assessment of the success of this initiative, consider permitting and promoting safe and considerate cycling on the prom on a permanent basis believing that the Promenade should provide a safe environment for all to enjoy.
After the consultation, to which over 500 people responded, it was therefore recommended to Full Council on 28 July 2016 that SCDC will respond to the request from FTC to consider the removal of notices prohibiting cycling on the Prom at Felixstowe for a period of no less than 12 months; and pending an assessment of the success of this initiative, to consider permitting and promoting safe and considerate cycling on the Prom on a permanent basis.