CYCLISTS will be short-changed if the A3 Hindhead Tunnel scheme gets the go-ahead.

This was the verdict of Gordon Selway, an elected member of the Cyclists' Touring Club on day 23 of the A3 public inquiry.

Mr Selway is opposed to the Highways Agency's scheme which he believes is treating cycling provision as an "afterthought". He would like to see the existing A3 retained for cyclists.

As part of the Highways Agency's proposals, the "old A3" would be closed and an alternative route for cyclists would be offered along BOAT 500 (Byway Open To All Traffic) which connects Hindhead Common and the Devil's Punch Bowl.

This would be downgraded to a public bridleway with a gateway at each end to bar vehicular access. Carriage drivers would require a key to gain access.

Mr Selway argued that the proposed alternatives are inconvenient because the route is slower and steeper and thus contrary to government policy which aims to encourage more people to cycle.

He further cited that sharing the route with pedestrians and horse riders could cause potential conflict.

The Highways Agency believes that its scheme offers "good quality" provision for cyclists and that the route along BOAT 500 avoids the need for cyclists to share the road with busy traffic.

It further says that cyclists using BOAT 500 would enjoy improved accessibility because it passes by two of the main attractions on the common, The Sailor's Stone and Gibbet Hill.

Despite conceding that the Highways Agency scheme has many merits overall, Mr Selway maintained that BOAT 500 is unsatisfactory option for cyclists.

"The route on offer is in many of its physical features, not a reasonably convenient alternative to 1820s (A3) road. It is longer and more difficult to ascend.

"In addition, there will be other obstructions to progress, the physical one of the barriers, the problems of perhaps having to dismount and restart on any ascent, the presence of other classes of user who certainly in the case of walkers many not be aware of the allocation of highway space on the bridleway and many wander on and off the cyclists' path."

Mr Selway added that if significant improvements were made to BOAT 500, which is currently badly eroded and full of potholes, his objection would be modified.

Speaking for the Highways Agency, Christopher Lewsley said that there were a number of advantages to the alternative put forward.

"Isn't it the case that more than half of the existing A3 would be used for cyclists with no or little traffic? Surely this is better than the current A3 where the level of traffic must make it unpleasant for cyclists. It is only at the youth hostel area where cyclists are being asked to stop the A3 route and get on BOAT 500."

But Mr Selway disagreed: "This is the particularly enjoyable bit. Going at speeds of 35 mph in this area is the most exciting and exhilarating part of being able to cycle and something that the alternative route doesn't provide."

Mr Lewsley also took issue with Mr Selway's assertion that the majority of cyclists using the route would be "utility" cyclists, those with specific journeys to make who needed the quickest and most direct route.

He said that there was no evidence to suggest this and that the Highways Agency's proposals were more likely to encourage a greater number of recreational and off-road cyclists who would take advantage of the enhanced landscape.

Suggestions that the Highways Agency scheme is contrary to government policy to encourage cycling was also strongly refuted.

It was said that a dedicated cycle link from Hindhead centre to Woolmer Hill Secondary School formed part of the proposals which was a priority of Surrey County Council.

The proposed cycle network also includes underpasses under the A3 at Bramshott Common, Hammer Lane, High Pitfold, Blackhanger, the Greensand Way and a bridge at Miss James' Walk.