Lewes to Newhaven
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Cycle Seahaven has revived the idea of the Ouse Greenway (see below) and met Norman Baker to discuss in September 2010.
The Southease river crossing has a temporary crossing while repairs to the bridge (which may take six months) are carried out. Cyclists are expected to push across and horse riders aren't allowed. It's all fairly precarious with a very steep bank to negotiate on the level crossing side.
Background
The C7 Lewes-Rodmell-Newhaven road suffers from heavy traffic at peak times and this puts off many cyclists. The road would otherwise provide a pleasant route and we support traffic-calming measures such as reduced speed limits and changed priorities. However it is seen as a 'strategic' route so radical change like making it a green lane or 'access only' for motor vehicles seems unlikely. Meanwhile some cyclists now say they prefer to ride on the A26 from Beddingham to Newhaven - despite the heavy freight traffic - because it is wider with better sightlines.
The Ouse Valley Greenway was a proposal to link up the villages using mostly existing tracks and farm roads away from the C7. It was supported by a number of parishes along the route, but lacked funding.
Another idea was a riverside path, which would be a good recreational route but too remote and a long way round for commuting use. This would depend on the Environment Agency's plans for the lower Ouse Valley.