The ride idea for the South Downs

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Plans for a new gravel-surfaced cycle path between Falmer and Woodingdean have been drawn up by Lewes-based transport consultants Owen Williams, in association with the Sussex Downs Conservation Board (SDCB).

The SDCB hopes that the new path will improve safety for cyclists and reduce traffic congestion by encouraging cycling. Roger Simmons, Cycling Officer at Brighton and Hove Council, has had a number of letters, including one from a lecturer at Sussex, complaining about dangers on the B2123 road.

The SDCB has not come up with an estimate as to how many cyclists will use the path. Tony Green, research fellow in the Thermo-Fluid Mechanics Research Centre and a member of the University's Bicycle Users Group (BUG), says: "Sussex employees have stated they would cycle this route, but the road is too dangerous. So there is suppressed demand!"

Having conducted a safety audit and geological survey and assessed the gradients, Owen Williams suggested a couple of possible routes and drew up a plan of the preferred alternative.

The next stage, currently under way, is to plan the route in more detail, cut the bank, undertake reseeding and earth moving, and obtain planning permission for the path.

The path is to be surfaced with gravel, because, says Andrew Gattiker from the SDCB, "We don't want tarmac tracks across the countryside - it looks a bit urban." Gravel is also cheaper and is suitable for all except a very few bikes.

Mr Gattiker hopes the path will be completed by early April, or even earlier. The Conservation Board has secured part funding from the Countryside Agency, but still requires £15,000 to be able to complete phase one (the off-road part) of the project and is hoping that the University might contribute.