Transition Town Worthing and Worthing CREW Transport Group organised a People’s Assembly on Transport on Tuesday 22nd July at Audio Active, Montague Street, Worthing. The aim was to promote more active travel and public transport and to bring our ideas to the attention of our local authorities, that in turn will help them become carbon neutral.

The event opened with presentations by three speakers:

Carole Sharpe spoke on Safer Walking and Uncluttered Pathways for Pedestrians, including concerns about motorised traffic on pavements, rural roads without pavements, shops and shopping malls, as well as thoughts on educating young people about street etiquette.

Kathy Kohl spoke about the barriers to cycling safely, why we need safe cycle lanes wide enough to accommodate adapted bikes, encouraging more people to cycle and secure bike storage/lockups. She gave examples of successful measures in other cities and countries

Rob Vince, Development Manager for Stagecoach South, spoke in his presentation about the current bus market, the way people travel (including their changing behaviour) and the significance of bus priority measures.

The three presentations also included discussion of access and help for the disabled.
The Facilitator for the evening was Worthing Town Crier, Bob Smytherman.

The Assembly then divided into three breakout groups to discuss each subject and to come up with points to be referred to West Sussex County Council and Adur & Worthing Councils for their consideration and action. Many helpful issues were raised and discussed. The Transport Group will now analyse these ideas and then raise these matters with our local authorities.

One of the members of the Transport Group said, “We are extremely pleased with how the event was received and the thoughtful ideas that were put forward by local people. Nearly fifty people attended which was beyond our expectations.”