Meet the cyclists who love to ride around Brighton and Hove

For some, they have been controversial. But for these cyclists, they have been a blessing – allowing them to traverse the city more easily and safely on two wheels. Some cyclists across the city squeezed the brakes for a quick chat with Chris Williams about their experiences.

Chris Williams, from Hove, started campaigning for safer streets for cycling this spring. 
He said: “I’m not a fanatic – I just cycle to get around.

“I’d never cycled along the Old Shoreham Road as it was always too dangerous, so when a pop-up cycle lane was installed, it opened up a new part of town, and I lodged a petition to make it permanent. 

“I want to make a positive change. 

“Loads of people want to cycle, but they’ll only do so if they feel safe. 

“I went to the anti-cycle lane demonstration at Hove Town Hall and had some really constructive chats with protesters. 

“Everyone wants our roads to be safe – we just need to talk to each other, and deal in facts, not fear of change.”

Chris joined local cycling campaign group Bricycles and set up the Instagram page @BricyclesBTN which showcases the stories of people cycling across the city.

Alice cycles from her home in Hove to her travel industry job in Brighton.

She said: “Normally, I’d take the bus in the winter, but with Covid, I feel safer on my bike – plus it’s cheaper.

“Luckily, I can go nearly all the way on protected lanes.

“I don’t feel confident on other roads as the traffic is too scary. 

“We definitely need more protected cycle lanes.

“I’m a driver too, so see things from both perspectives.”

Sara Furse has arthritis and four slipped discs, and finds her electric bike easier than walking. 

She said: “I’ve cycled since I was a kid and love it. 

“It gives you freedom and has huge health benefits. 

“I go to work, see friends and go exploring by bike. 

“We need better cycle lanes, which don’t cut in and out, and better storage, as it’s hard to keep a bike safe if you live in a flat. 

“The bike share scheme is great, and I’m all for e-scooters. 

“I’m a teacher and commute from Fishersgate to Hove by bike, which takes about 20 minutes. 

“Occasionally, I have to drive, and it takes much longer.”

Pascale Feat, with children Kai and Luc, live in Hangleton and have been cycling more since the pop-up lanes were installed.

Pascale said: “My eldest walks to school now, but he’d like to cycle when he changes school, and we need more cycle lanes in places like Hangleton and Portslade so kids can be safe. 

“We love going up to the downs along the railway track, by bike. 

“It’s a great activity for the kids and it keeps us all fit.”

Michael has a disability and cycles to get his medicine in the mornings as well as to do errands. 

He said: “The traffic is murder. Some people who drive don’t look out for people like me. 

“We’ve got as much right to be on the road as they do. 

“A driver recently squeezed me to the kerb on Olive Road and I fell off and damaged my knee. 

“The Old Shoreham Road is dangerous and the temporary lane really helps. 

“We need more cycle lanes in places like the Knoll Estate in Portslade, where I live.”

James lives in Worthing, and comes to Brighton and Hove for his construction job.

He said: “I gave up driving a few years ago because of the stress. 

“There’s too much traffic on the road, and I’ve been in road rage incidents. 

“More people should be cycling if they can; kids, adults, everyone, as you can get around quickly and easily. 

“You don’t need to drive your kids round the corner to school. 

“I cycle about 5,000 miles a year, to work, to the shops, everywhere, and I’m in perfect health. 

“We need more cycle lanes to keep people safe.”

Miranda Pellew loves being on a bike as it gives her a sense of freedom. 

She said: “I’m a lot fitter thanks to my bike, and have got to know my local area well. 

“I do everything by bike, including going to work and socialising.

“I have a trailer and panniers, so I can carry plenty of shopping.

"If I can do it, anyone can. We need more cycle lanes and a huge reduction in traffic so people feel safer.

"This would make our city quieter, cleaner and healthier, and we’d be fighting the climate emergency.

"I’d like to see streets closed to traffic, with little parklets so that kids can play outside.”

Chi has been off work following an operation, and has just got back on her bike as part of her recovery. 

She said: “I cycle to work – I’m a doctor for the NHS – and it’s great for mental and physical health. 

“You’re out in the open and can feel the seasons. 

“We cycle a lot as a family, and the kids cycle to school.

“We need far more cycle lanes in Brighton, and the side roads need to be quieter. 

“Because Brighton’s small, it should be easy to get everywhere by bike. The main barrier is traffic.”