So yesterday (26/6) the pro cycling lobby met in the park to state their case and we went along to see if we could learn anymore about why they are insistent on making the lives of the disabled and vulnerable a complete misery.

Despite exaggerated fears that world war three would break out, I resisted the temptation to send my modern day equivalent of Dad's Army into action.

So the little dogs were disappointed they wouldn't be allowed to bite ankles. The miniature tank , disguised as a wheelchair was stood down. The bicycles equipped with James Bond style weapons weren't needed and those lethally tipped white sticks had to pretend to be walking aids.

Those cyclists must have been quivering with fear at such intimidation.

But, seriously, what trouble could you expect my "troops" to cause?

All these wonderful people want to do is to continue to use the park bike free.

Anyway, having joined the cyclists to listen to their views personally I got a pleasant surprise as every single cyclist I spoke to was actually UNHAPPY with the cycle path and , like us, thinks that Lower Park Road would be the far safer option. And , no, I didn't speak to just one cyclist but to many. A couple even approached me first to say they actually support many of our views.

This all seemed promising for a while until they suggested I talk to their "boss", Ian Seir. 

I don't think I've ever met anybody as rude and arrogant. Reluctantly shaking my hand, after what seemed an eternity, he said there would not be any discussion whatsoever unless it involved a cycle path within the park boundary.

What the heck are these lovely cyclists doing? On one hand they all seem to care that what is happening is wrong as regards to public safety  and they are all for their own independent lane in Lower/Upper Park Roads but Mr Sier clearly pulls their strings.

I did ask the cyclists if they would try to tell Mr Sier that they have exactly the same concerns we have. They said they would , but I didn't find him at all approachable. For me it ruined what was actually a very constructive afternoon.

We already know that many cyclists have now walked the complete route through both parts of the park. You will see some of those cyclists in my picture. They, along with, many, many more have said they'd rather take a gamble on the road traffic than cycle along this route knowing the pedestrian activity which occurs along the route and the risks to their own safety both due to this and some extremely bad blind bends and hill climbs.

Hastings Green councillor, Julia Hilton, is friendly enough but how she claim this plan is green is beyond my brain capacity. It removes 200 year old trees, it removes numerous shrubs, plants and bushes, It involves the excavation of goodness knows how many thousands of square metres of lawn and bare ground, It destroys countless animal and insect habitats. It involves laying hundreds of tons of path tarmac and as for the amount of CO2 this will all expend, well that's just ridiculous.

All this to give cyclists a dangerous, narrow rat run to the town centre. Dangerous to them , dangerous to us and an environmental disaster for the Grade II Listed Park

The solution on the adjacent road would over time actually reduce co2 emissions due to less congestion in that shockingly poor road. Even residents on the road said they supported this as they hate the way the road is.

There was one cyclist who said "I can't believe they've even run the route past the Peace Garden and Rose Gardens." 

Exactly ! This is not even a scheme which respects the beautiful reflection areas of the park and disrespects every single sponsor of a memorial bench. 

It's a cycle path which is dangerous for the living, disrespectful to the bereaved and insulting to the dead.

The sooner true, dedicated cyclists such as those I met yesterday speak out and tell their leadership what THEY want not what they are told they want the better. All cyclists want is a safe route of their own with easy access to the park and areas to park their bikes. 

They don't want to feel like they are intimidating others or causing safety issues.

Please sign and share and continue to mention the petition please supporters. This is a scheme that even cyclists are concerned about.

Let's make people listen and act !!! Come on serious cyclists, join us in campaigning for safety for both you and us!!!