Cycling UK takes Shoreham cycle lane challenge to Court of Appeal

Cycling UK has appealed against the High Court decision to refuse a judicial review of the removal of a popular cycle lane in Shoreham, West Sussex.

The charity applied for a judicial review on 25 February 2021 following the decision by West Sussex County Council (WSCC) to remove the cycle lane along the A270 Upper Shoreham Road.

In its claim, Cycling UK argued that the council:

• failed to take into account or comply with statutory guidance issued under the Traffic Management Act;
• acted irrationally given that WSCC’s own information did not support the reasons given for removal of the cycle lane; and
• breached the public sector equality duty (PSED), particularly given that it had information showing the scheme was especially beneficial for children accessing local secondary schools.

At a hearing in the High Court on 26 May, Mr Justice Lane refused Cycling UK’s applications for permission to pursue the judicial review.

On Wednesday 2 June, Cycling UK appealed Mr Justice Lane’s decision, which will be considered later this year in the Court of Appeal.

The issues this case raises, including the requirement to actively consider the impact of road space reallocation decisions on all groups with protected characteristics, are too important to let this case rest here

Duncan Dollimore, Cycling UK head of campaigns

Duncan Dollimore, Cycling UK’s head of campaigns, said: “Cycling UK is obviously disappointed by Mr Justice Lane’s ruling, and after considering legal advice has appealed this decision. The issues this case raises, including the requirement to actively consider the impact of road space reallocation decisions on all groups with protected characteristics, are too important to let this case rest here.”

Cycling UK’s Cyclists’ Defence Fund helps fight significant legal cases involving cyclists and cycling, especially those which could set important precedents for the future and could affect the safety of all cyclists.