Billingshurst canon slams ‘insane’ plans to let cyclists use footpath

A Billingshurst man is urging the council to rethink plans to convert a village footpath to make it shared use.
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Little East Street is earmarked to be converted to allow cyclists to use it, resident Rev Andrew Pearson said.

But he is calling for the plans to be scrapped amid safety fears for pedestrians.

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The 79-year-old Church of England canon, who runs a charity, said: “About 40 elderly people – they go down from their home to the high street. For people of that generation going out to do their shopping with their little trolleys, myself and my dog.

Andrew Pearson is calling for the council to reverse plans to convert the footpath to a multi-use path. Seen here with other concerned residents. Pic Steve Robards SR2012061 SUS-200712-102455001Andrew Pearson is calling for the council to reverse plans to convert the footpath to a multi-use path. Seen here with other concerned residents. Pic Steve Robards SR2012061 SUS-200712-102455001
Andrew Pearson is calling for the council to reverse plans to convert the footpath to a multi-use path. Seen here with other concerned residents. Pic Steve Robards SR2012061 SUS-200712-102455001

“What benefits the cyclist harms the pedestrian.

“[Cyclists] can get to the High Street already through Rosehill.”

Rev Pearson said cyclists should be confident to ride on the road and feared the increased traffic could put strain on social distancing on the path.

He added: “There’s nothing wrong with bicyclists. [But many] don’t have bells, don’t have manners they ride on the pavement. I have nearly been hit twice.”

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Andrew slammed the plans to let cyclists use the walkway as ‘ideological insanity’ and said when he rode a bike in the 1950s you ‘never, ever, ever went on the pavement’.

The conversion will be carried out using section 106 money from developers, Rev Pearson said.

But he called on the council to axe the plans and said the new spine road will reduce traffic on Rosehill, making it better for cyclists.

Horsham District Council has been approached for comment.