More good news for South Downs and Brighton cyclists
February 5, 2015
£450,000 additional funding is being invested in improving a popular cycling route from Brighton into the South Downs National Park, the Department for Transport has announced today, 5 February 2015.
The money comes from the national Cycling Ambition Fund and will extend the scope of ‘Transforming Cycling in the South Downs National Park’ an existing project, which received £3.81 million from the DfT in August 2013. Thanks to this project visitors and residents can already enjoy an extra 8.5km of cycle paths across the National Park, with 55km to follow over the next few years.
Transport Minister Robert Goodwill said:
“I want to get more people on their bikes and this funding will open up cycle access to some of the country’s most scenic routes. It demonstrates the government’s determination to continue the cycling legacy generated by the 2012 Olympics and the launch of the Tour de France in Yorkshire last year.”
Andrew Lee, Director of Strategy and Partnerships for the South Downs National Park, said:
“We want every cyclist to feel welcome in the South Downs and this improved track, away from cars, will make it safer and easier for people from Brighton to explore, visit new campsites in the area and just have a better experience.”
Ian Davey, Lead councillor for transport at Brighton & Hove City Council, said:
“This is very good news. This section is often in a bad state so this is a great opportunity to improve it and provide another high quality walking and cycling route between the city and the Downs. This is another step forward in creating sustainable transport routes into the National Park and opening it up to more people, both residents and visitors alike.”
The new track will run from the edge of Brighton Race Course, near Whitehawk, and link to the hugely popular new cycle path created as part of the project that runs from Woodingdean down to Falmer Station and Brighton and Sussex Universities.