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Meeting of Cycle Seahaven 13 January 2009 |
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Introductions and reasons for attending Around 22 cyclists attended with a wide range of cycling interests: road, off road, recreation and transportation. The CTC was represented by David Rix (secretary of East Sussex CTC) and Ann Rix (secretary Seaford & Newhaven section). Bob Seago represented Bricycles (apologies from Becky Reynolds) and Ann Locke Cycle Lewes. The local ranger for Sustrans (Chris Boocock?) also attended. Garry Wright attended from the Amey consultancy. Eddie Collict and Martin Cornforth are Seaford Town councillors and Eddie is also a Lewes District Councillor. Ian Cairns chaired the meeting. Purpose and constitution There was discussion on whether there was enough interest to form a club/group/forum and the answer was self evidently – Yes! The main suggested activities/aims of the group were: - Social (on and off-road rides, contacting like-minded cyclists) - Campaigning (better routes and facilities, representing cyclists in council consultations etc) - Educational (safe routes to schools, lessons for young and old) There were different opinions over the form that the group should take. Some felt that the group should be properly constituted as a club, with a formal committee and officers. Others preferred a less formal forum arrangement (like Bricycles and Cycle Lewes). Eddie thought that membership of the Seaford Partnership could be beneficial and might even result in funds.Others just wanted to do some cycling! Eddie and Ian Cairns agreed to look into matters of constitution, to get further information on Seaford Partnership and find out from other groups, such as Bricycles, the issues they have faced. They will report back at the next meeting. Tasks and volunteers Andy Locke (Andy.LOCK at newellco.com) expressed an interest in organising rides, especially off-road. Bob Seago emphasised the need for insurance to cover such activities and Andy will find more about this from Bricycles and CTC. Bob (r.p.seago at brighton.ac.uk) also offered access to media production facilities for video and websites. He will investigate producing a website design and Cycle Seahaven logo. Ally Preece (allypreece at yahoo.co.uk) volunteered to co-ordinate activities with schools, such as safe routes to schools and cycle training. John Reeve (john.jrinst at gmail.com) will co-ordinate activities aimed at older riders. Garry Wright (garry.wright at amey.co.uk) is compiling a study of routes and facilities in the Seahaven area. He invited comments from those present on their main points of concern on Seaford's infrastructure for cyclist and also has a questionnaire which he would like members to complete. Ian said that the questionnaire could be made available on the Cycle Seahaven website. Ann Locke circulated copies of the Cycle Lewes map, produced in conjunction with Lewes District Council. LDC are keen to produce a similar map for the Seahaven area. Local issues It was generally agreed that although Seaford benefits from some routes and generally accessible countryside, it is effectively an 'island'. It is particularly difficult to reach other towns, such as Brighton and Lewes, or to access other parts of the National Cycle Network. A number of priority issues were identified: - Establishing a safe route between Chyngton and Exceat - NCR2 Newhaven - Seaford especially at Bishopstone - also signage - Seaford seafront - Safe route Seaford/Newhaven to Lewes - A259 - new 'improvements' - possibility of using section on Newhaven descent - Difficulty crossing A259 with kids in Chyngton area, making schools hard to reach - Routes to schools - plans and funding - Bikes on trains and cycle parking at Seaford station - Impermeability of Seaford town centre (too many one-ways) - Lack of cycle parking in Seaford town centre - General maintenance of cycle paths. - Improving paths in Friston Forest (all-weather surface, better warning of cyclists for pedestrians) Date of next meeting 8pm Tuesday 24th February 2009 The Wellington Pub, 33 Steyne Road, Seaford BN25 1HT. Items for agenda to .
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