A PETITION was launched this week looking to build on the lockdown cycling boom and help tackle Farnham’s severe traffic problems by creating segregated cycle paths throughout the town centre.

Farnham was the first town in Surrey to begin a trial of temporary pavement widening measures in mid-June – with much of the town’s one way system reduced from two lanes to one to create more space for pedestrians.

Reigate followed with a pavement widening scheme of its own this month. But while cycle paths have been hastily removed from the Reigate scheme after complaints by motorists, the opposite is true in Farnham.

The online petition, by the Farnham Cycle Campaign, asks Surrey County Council to share the extra roadspace allocated for pedestrians with cyclists so people have an alternative to driving into town to reach the shops.

It adds to widespread calls in Farnham for the county council to take advantage of the lesser volume of traffic during the pandemic, and implement a long-term solution to Farnham’s traffic problems.

‘Shared space’ between motorists and pedestrians has long been mooted as a possible solution to Farnham’s traffic and pollution woes – with MP Jeremy Hunt leading the charge for such a scheme.

But the Farnham Cycle Campaign believes the town centre’s current social distancing measures present an ideal opportunity to trial a different kind of ‘shared space’ between cyclists and pedestrians.

Citing similar schemes in Guildford and Bordon, the campaign is calling on Surrey County Council to allow cyclists to use the strip of tarmac currently barricaded off from traffic in Downing Street, The Borough and Castle Street.

And responding to fears it could lead to collisions with unknowing pedestrians, campaigner Pete Goodman said cyclists “tend to travel at low speed on such a narrow cycle path”.

“Cyclists would still be banned from using the original pavements but the gap between the kerb and the new metal barriers would be used by pedestrians and cyclists,” he added.

“It has been observed that most pedestrians still normally walk on the pavement and cyclists will naturally remain on the tarmac level.

“Farnham Cycle Campaign has even floated the idea that a new set of barriers could be added to South Street, connecting Bear Lane to Hickleys Corner which would avoid a lot of the narrow, older streets of Farnham.

“It is hoped that giving people a safe alternative to driving will reduce the number of cars on the road and also stop cyclists slowing car traffic as they do today.”

To help reach its goal, the campaign has launched a petition this week calling for cycle tracks in Farnham. This can be signed online at https://you.38degrees.org.uk/petitions/cycle-tracks-in-farnham

Mr Goodman added: “Transport in the UK is the largest emitter of carbon emissions according to the latest government figures and even electric cars reduce emissions by only 43 per cent compared to petrol.

“The petition also calls for some of these changes to be made permanent so Farnham can move one step closer to carbon zero and in the process achieve some reductions in pollution levels in the town centre.”

Members of Farnham Cycle Campaign were present on Castle Street and West Street during the Farnham Charity Bike Ride last Sunday, handing out free reflective hi-vis vests and asking people for their views about the petition.

A “very positive” response was noted from passing cyclists and pedestrians who were keen to see reductions in air pollution.