Please could everybody who has signed and shared this petition now give it one huge push? 

Over the summer months there have been numerous reports of cyclists currently riding illegally through the park verbally abusing park users when it has been pointed out it is against the law.

There have been several incidents of cyclists bumping into pedestrians as they raced by but the two most disturbing incidents involved cyclists literally pushing elderly pedestrians into bushes at the edge of the path. It is not known if the same cyclist was involved in both incidents.

In a separate incident, just outside the park, one of our supporters who has become known to local cyclists had a rider stop beside her, turn and then spat in her face.

One of our visually impaired supporters has been subject to a continual barrage of written abuse online with one particular cycling supporter belittling her disability.

We of course also recently had a meeting of both sides in the park. The cyclists demanding a route through the park and ourselves with our safety and access concerns.

We were PROMISED by HBC that the local cycling groups had assured them that they would NOT be cycling into the park and breaking the law in doing so. Despite this about half of the cycling attendees not only made a point of cycling in but swore and raised two fingers to the elderly and disabled people who reminded them they were breaking the law.

Law and order enforcement is already at an all time low in Hastings and there are no additional resources available to police the park if the cycling ban is lifted.

The whole of the route is dangerous and has been designed with no consideration of the needs of the disabled, the elderly, young children and even makes accessing the public toilets dangerous. 

One final thing Alexandra Park has proudly just been rewarded with it's Green Flag award for the next year. That's great news. But if this proposal does get the go ahead we will be campaigning to those who award it for it NOT to be awarded in 2023 and beyond. 

The Green Flag award is only given if a scheme offers completely safe accessibility to those of all physical abilities. The Alexandra Park planned shared cycle path restricts the access and enjoyment of the elderly, disabled, visually impaired. It restricts young children running around. It prevents groups of those with mental health problems walking as a close knit group, dog walkers are at risk not only from collisions but leads tangling with bikes. In short it is so dangerous and discriminatory there is absolutely no way Alexandra Park should continue to receive the Green Flag Award.

This would be a huge blow for Hastings as the Green Flag award is prestigious and boots tourism.

But if Hastings Borough Council are seriously going to implement this plan then this is one park which can no longer be deemed safe and accessible to all. 

As residents of Hastings, St Leonards and those of surrounding areas and towns who visit this park it is vital we stop this madness before somebody gets badly injured.

Please, if you use Alexandra Park or know anyone who does, not only make sure you have signed it but ensure every member of your family has and that you have shared this on every social media platform you have at your disposal. When you share please ensure you state why you believe this proposal is wrong.

Thank you all so much for supporting this campaign. Lets get this petition to 1000 signatures and beyond and keep park users safe!!