Walking and Cycling

Walking

Walking has a major role for journeys under one mile. Nationally 80% of journeys fall within this category. This is recognised in the District Councils Local Plan policy to ensure all development provides for safe access for pedestrians. All planning applications are tested against this policy.

Within the Chichester area the County Council are developing a Walking Strategy as part of the Chichester Urban Transport Plan. This will define pedestrian networks and improve as appropriate, based on the five C's; Connected, Comfortable, Convenient, Convivial and Conspicuous. It will include routes to school and major destinations and crossing opportunities for pedestrians at junctions.

The Lead Officer at the County Council is Felicity Patrick, telephone: 01243 777506.

The Countryside Agency - Open Access
The Open Access website offers information on the new access rights and the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000. It also provides public walking maps and information for land managers.

Cycling

Existing Cycle Routes into Chichester
The surrounding villages of Bosham, Fishbourne to the west, Hunston, Donnington to the south, Tangmere and Westhampnett to the east and Lavant and West Dean to the north all have good cycle routes into the centre of Chichester.

Bognor Regis, the largest centre of population within 5 miles of Chichester also enjoys a good predominantly traffic free cycle route with a bridge over the A27. The route has been improved with a new traffic free path which cuts out the need to divert around the road to Colworth.

Routes in Chichester
A recent improvement has been the high quality traffic free path linking Westgate Leisure Centre with Chichester College alongside the Via Ravenna.

National Cycle Network Route 2
This is now signed from Fishbourne - Chichester - Hunston. One final section of the route onto North Mundham avoiding the road has yet to be negotiated. The route onwards to Bognor Regis, using quiet country lanes and upgrading a short section of public footpaths and use of a private road, are held up due to landowner resistance.

WSCC carry out maintenance on all the routes except the Chichester to Selsey Cycle Route. To report problems, telephone West Sussex County Council Contact Centre on 01243 642105. Any comments on the Chichester to Selsey Cycle Route should be directed to the Sustrans Area Manager on 01273 766656.

If you wish to receive a leaflet on cycle routes in the area. Please forward your details to Chichester Tourist Information Centre chitic@chichester.gov.uk

Interactive map
The West Sussex County Council interactive map is designed for all lovers of the countryside, including walkers, riders, and cyclists.