Highways England has announced the opening of new cycle paths and funding for the creation of cycle routes in the South East and South West of England.

To mark National Bike Week the government-owned company enhancements to the cycle network have given more people a choice when considering alternatives to public transport when they need to travel, making healthier habits easier and helping to make sure the road network is ready to respond to future increases in demand.

In the latest initiative, Highways England invested £675,000 into Dorset Council’s project to create improved cycle and footpaths, and upgraded crossings on both the A35 and Sea Road South.

It’s now announced cyclists in West Sussex will soon benefit from a new seve-mile route linking Chichester to Emsworth travelling along the A259 corridor. The project is expected to begin construction next year and will connect villages along the corridor proving commuting and leisure facilities.

Highways England Chief Executive, Jim O’Sullivan, commented, “During the current pandemic it is especially important that we can provide opportunities for cyclists and pedestrians, not barriers to their journeys as people return to work.”