More walking and cycling after Old Parish Lane improvements
A new, improved path linking Ovingdean and Woodingdean appears to have prompted an increase in walking and cycling.
Survey counts from Old Parish Lane taken in October have indicated a 19% increase in pedestrians and an 8% increase in cyclists using the 1.5km path.
Work was completed in February to widen and smoothen the path just south of Warren Road.
Cycling and pedestrian increases
Counts took place on Saturday 14 and Monday 16 October, 2023, and again a year later on Sunday 13 and Tuesday 15 October 2024.
The counts ran from 8am till 6pm, with two cameras situated at the north and south entrances of the lane. They recorded:
- 11% increase in pedestrian numbers on a weekend.
- 33% increase in pedestrian numbers on a weekday.
- 14.6% increase in cycle numbers on a weekday.
We’ll continue to monitor to understand changes in the longer term and to inform future projects.
Improving active travel infrastructure
Councillor Trevor Muten, Cabinet member for Transport, Parking and Public Realm, said: “These numbers really do show that if you improve the infrastructure for walking and cycling, then more people will use it.
“The new, smoother path on Old Parish Lane makes it easier for people to walk, wheel and cycle through.
“Meanwhile, work continues on the A23 around Preston Park while Phase 3 of the Valley Gardens project is just getting underway. Improving the city’s active travel infrastructure will give residents and visitors real, sustainable options for travelling around Brighton & Hove.”
