Lewes to Ringmer
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The eastern section of the cycle path (from Ringmer to the lay-by by the nature reserve) has finally been completed to a high standard and provides a pleasant alternative on the climb out of Ringmer back to Lewes. Unfortunately it doesn't go all the way, and if you want to join it on your way from Lewes to Ringmer you need to cross the busy road.
ESCC needed to build the eastern section in order not to lose the £147k of developer funding obtained from the Forges housing development in Ringmer some years ago. We understand that they will have design work on options for the western section (from the layby to Malling Hill) completed by July 2011. This presents some major engineering and planning difficulties (steep banks, flint walls and allotments, for a start) and they will be investigating several options, and also seeking sources of funding.
Background
Lewes to Ringmer is one of the most heavily commuted routes around Lewes, with flows of employees into Lewes and school and college students in both directions. The distance should be easy to cycle - but the B2192 road with its dense fast traffic at peak times puts off all but the most committed. The potential for switching people from cars to bikes makes a cycle lane here the top-scoring cycle plan using ESCC's evaluation system, but it is an expensive scheme, particularly at the Lewes end where the narrow embanked road would need to be re-engineered.
An alternative idea was taking a cycle path from the top of Mill Road across the nature reserve to the layby outside Ringmer. However many felt that 'utility' cyclists, particularly those new to cycling, could be put off by the steepness of Mill Road and the isolated feeling of a path here. Another obstacle was that the nature reserve managers would only consent to a temporary, rather than a permanent route through their land.