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Lewes cycle route to Falmer

On 6 Jan 2015 at 5:48am Paul wrote:

Anyone on his forum regularly / ever cycled from Lewes to Falmer or from Lewes to Brighton? I'm hoping to start doing exactly that but am wondering how safe it is and am unsure about whether there's a cycle track alternative to the A27?

On 6 Jan 2015 at 6:36am Spokeydokey wrote:

Hi Paul, yes I cycle it regularly. There is a cycle path most of the way. There are a few things to be aware of. The surface is very poor. At points this is actually quite dangerous. Also be warned that on the cycle back to Lewes, the cycle path ends dumping you on to the road at quite a narrow point. It is a bit of a nightmare from the end of the path to the prison, but after that it is fine. At Housedean, the cycle path crosses a major to minor junction, be aware cars can turn off this at high speed, sometimes without indicating.
There are two alternatives. The first is B2116 by Plumpton College. There is no cycle path. The road can be quiet or very busy, depending on time of day. It brings you to North Brighton. Be prepared for the climb up the Downs before you get there. The second is off road, over the downs. You start near the prison and come out by the university in Falmer. This isnt really an option in summer.
Hope that helps. Safe cycling!

On 6 Jan 2015 at 11:41am JillG wrote:

A scenic alternative from Lewes to Brighton is to go via Telscombe: down the C7 (new bike path some of the way, then you have to take your life in your hands) to just past Rodmell, and up the lane to Telscombe (it's only steep at the start); then just beyond the village, at the top, you have a choice of a) a bumpy track straight ahead of you all the way down to the shore, b) a smooth ride on good firm meadowland parallel to this (bikes allowed), or c) in poor conditions a short bumpy track to your R which soon comes into Saltdean and concreted roads all the way down. Then you can spin along the new undercliff walk (bikes allowed) into central Brighton.

On 6 Jan 2015 at 12:22pm ar10642 wrote:

I used to use it every day. It can be hard going in the Lewes - Brighton direction because the headwind from the traffic next to you is considerable. It's also pretty noisy. It's safe enough but you'll need good lights because it is unlit at night on various sections and the surface is not that great.

On 6 Jan 2015 at 12:34pm ar10642 wrote:

Realistically the only viable route for commuting is the A27 cycle path. The alternatives are considerably further. They're probably more enjoyable for a leisure trip though.

On 6 Jan 2015 at 12:42pm Spokeydokey wrote:

Agree with ar10642. I always say I will go over the Downs just to be away from the cars, but nearly always end up on the A27. It is by far the most direct way to get to Brighton by bike. Does anyone know when/if the cycle lane will be resurfaced? It is pretty bad in places

On 6 Jan 2015 at 9:59pm Peasant wrote:

I'm afraid resurfacing cycle paths is pretty low on the ESCC agenda. Been trying to get the dreadful footpath between Ringmer and Lewes resurfaced for more than a decade, with no joy at all.

On 7 Jan 2015 at 10:12am wanderer wrote:

@Peasant
have your failed to notice the jcbs, rollers and loads of congestion
due to the construction of the lewes - ringer cycle path its been going on for months