WHEN it comes to commuting into Brighton the car is quickest – but more expensive and less healthy than cycling.

That is the verdict from Argus editor Arron Hendy and picture editor Allan Hutchings after they took on the challenge of riding in to work.

The editor decided to cycle from Seaford station to show how long it takes to get into the city along the A259 on two wheels.

He then headed in by bus, car and train on different days.

He managed to cycle the 13.2-mile route in 48 minutes.

That time was pipped by driving a car – which took 45 minutes and the bus and train journeys were not far behind.

It was a similar story from Worthing.

Allan, a more regular and fitter cyclist than the editor, managed the 12-mile journey to the office in Manchester Street in 45 minutes.

The train journey was 42 minutes, including the walk to the office.

The challenge was taken on to celebrate 200 years since the invention of the bicycle.

Arron said: “I decided to take on the Seaford to Brighton journey as we did a similar story years ago when the bicycle won the day because we had a very fit athlete taking part.

“I wanted to make it fairer by using a more average cyclist –myself.

“I did build up to it with some cycling though and of all the methods of commuting, cycling was definitely the best.

“I arrived at work full of the joys of spring and invigorated by the ride in.

“I know those who cycle this commute regularly can do it in under 40 minutes.

“Also, the journey by car can take over an hour, especially towards Seaford at the end of the day.

“The traffic around Rottingdean, Saltdean and Peacehaven can be terrible so during those times the bus and train are a great option.

“Our reporters use buses to get around the city much of the time now using Brighton and Hove Bus passes.

“Driving does not get us there quick enough and parking is difficult so it is rarely the best option unless we need to get to a live incident very quickly.

“Even then, going by car can be complicated because when traffic builds up it is difficult to get close to an incident.

“More of should be using buses and trains – and cycling more.”

TIME TRIAL

Seaford station to The Argus office in Manchester Street

Car: 45 mins

Cycle: 48 mins

No 12 bus: 48 mins

Train: 44 mins (to Brighton station plus a 16-minute walk)

Worthing station to The Argus office

Cycle: 45 mins

Car: 45 mins

Train: 26 mins (then a 16-minute walk)

Bus: 65 mins (No 5 for five minutes then No 700 for 60 mins)