Following the bike swarm, MP Maria Caulfield arranged for us to meet the Council to discuss making the road safer. The footpath has been partially cleared as a result, which is good, but not enough. We will be handing this petition to the Full Council Meeting on 19/3. It would be great to get even more sign ups so please share the link . We need to ensure this issues is on the Councils’ list of priority schemes. To help, please respond to the Councils consultation https://consultation.eastsussex.gov.uk/economy-transport-environment/local-transport-plan-4-2024-2050/ open until 25/2, mentioning the need for improvements to the safety of the B2116. Please also respond to the Parish Council’s survey at https://www.surveyhero.com/c/3g7ewfuy until 19/2. Improving safety on the Keymer Straight (B2116) isn’t on their list but there is a comment box where you can mention it.
To: Councillor Clare Dowling, East Sussex County Council
Improve Safety between Ditchling & Keymer now!
The purpose of this petition is to put pressure on East Sussex County Council (ESCC) to take action to make the stretch of road from Ditchling to Keymer safer for cyclists and pedestrians.
This is a well-known problem, with clear solutions set out in the Sustrans report (2018). These include the construction of a new cycle and footpath, separated from the road by the hedge. Interim measures recommended include reducing the speed limit, introducing traffic calming measures and widening the pavement. While West Sussex County Council has implemented some of the recommendations, ESCC has failed to take any action.
We'd also love you to join in the Bike Swarm taking place on Saturday 233rd September meeting 10.30am in front of Ditchling Primary school. The group will be walking or cycling slowly from there to Hassocks to highlight the issue. Local Ditchling Councillor, Sarah Osborne, is supportive of this petition and will be joining the bike swarm.
Why is this important?
Despite the local secondary school, train station and shops being only a mile away, most Ditchling residents feel they have no choice but to drive the short distance to Hassocks because this short stretch of road feels unsafe to walk or cycle along. Some, such as children attending Downlands or sixth form colleges in Brighton, have no choice but to use it.
As one Ditchling resident puts it: "My son used to cycle from Ditchling to Downlands but I stopped him after another parent told me they'd seen a car speed right up to his back wheel and stay there all the way down the Keymer straight. It's just too dangerous."
Numbers using this road this have increased significantly over the past few years and there has been a recent, devastating fatality as well as many near misses. Action is needed before there are any more.
This short stretch of dangerous road also deters people from travelling from London or Brighton by train to visit Ditchling, reducing possible revenues for its local museum, pubs and cafes, as well as public access to the National Park.
This petition has been created by Ditchling Climate Action Network, a new group set up to tackle local climate and environmental issues, brought together over our concern for our, and our children's future. We believe coming together as a community is the best way we can engage local decision makers, demand action and bring about positive change.
Sign the petition to help us compel ESCC to make this short stretch of dangerous road safer for cyclists and pedestrians.
How it will be delivered
We will present the petition to the relevant officers, councillors and MPs at both East and West Sussex County Councils.
