Work to make Madeira Drive, one of the most iconic areas of Brighton & Hove, a safe space for residents and visitors, has reached a key milestone with the completion of its new protected two-way cycle lane.
The changes, agreed at a meeting of the Environment, Transport and Sustainability committee in September are creating more space for both walkers and cyclists and retain vehicle access to the road.
It means cyclists can now move east and westbound - separated from motor vehicles and pedestrians - all the way from the Palace Pier to Duke’s Mound. It also means pedestrians have more space to walk or exercise along the promenade with the existing cycle lane being removed.
The opening is just in time for National Bike Week (30 May - 5 June).
The distinctive green coloured cycle lane is part of a series of improvements to the road which will also include:
• Pedestrian crossing points at key spots
• extra parking spaces for Blue Badge holders (from 14 to 27)
• re-orientation of parking spaces for easier use.
These are expected to be completed in the coming weeks.
Motor vehicles can continue to travel one-way eastbound from the Palace Pier, exiting at Duke’s Mound and Madeira Drive will continue to be available for organised events, including the Classic Car Run on 6 June, the Brighton Marathon and Burning of the Clocks.
The changes have been made through an Experimental Traffic Regulation Order (ETRO), which means we can develop the scheme further if required. You can also comment on the changes up to 29 November 2021.
A new chapter for an historic part of the city
Opening the new cycle lane, Chair of the Environment, Transport and Sustainability committee Amy Heley said: “The new cycle lane looks amazing and will benefit everyone who uses Madeira Drive.
“Moving the existing cycle lane off the pavement means cyclists no longer need to share space with pedestrians and motor vehicles, which undoubtedly makes it safer for everyone With people using the Drive for exercise and to visit local businesses, we know how important it is to residents that we create more space on our pavements.
“It’s so important that we are also creating extra parking spaces for Blue Badge holders and ensure that Madeira Drive can still be used for organised events which are so popular throughout the year.
“Madeira Drive is such an iconic part of Brighton & Hove. These improvements will help write the next chapter in its long and rich history.
Background
In April 2020, Madeira Drive was temporarily closed to motor vehicles to allow people to exercise safely during the first Covid-19 lockdown.
In October 2020, it was reopened to eastbound motor vehicles following decisions made at September’s Environment, Transport and Sustainability committee to agree a new layout.
These improvements are being delivered alongside a number of other Active Transport Improvement schemes though the Department for Transport’s Active Travel Fund, designed to support more walking and cycling.
Picture: (from left to right) Councillor Steve Davis, member of the Environment, Transport and Sustainability (ETS) committee, Councillor Amy Heley, Chair of the ETS committee and Councillor Jamie Lloyd, Deputy Chair of the ETS committee
