The red tape has been cut on one of the first off-road cycle routes in the country to benefit from a new cycling fund.

The 2.5km route stretching along Ditchling Road in Brighton and out into the South Downs National Park the new path has been designed to be shared by cyclists and walkers.

It is part of a £5 million investment in a network of core cycling routes into and around the South Downs National Park, which includes £3.81 million funding from the Department for Transport’s Cycle Ambition fund as well as support from local authorities and other groups.

The route was officially opened by Andrew Lee, director of strategy and partnerships for the South Downs National Park Authority, and Ian Davey, lead member for transport at Brighton and Hove City Council.

Other South Downs’ routes currently in development include a new segregated commuter route between Lewes and Ringmer and the major new riverside Egrets Way route between Lewes, Southease and Newhaven, linking the towns to the South Downs Way National Trail, youth hostel, railway stations and ferry travel to France.