Cyclists say a planned new bike lane would be too dangerous to attract more people to use it.

The route, which would run along the Old Shoreham Road connecting Brighton to Portslade, has also been condemned as “next to useless” by Brighton and Hove Green councillor Ian Davey.

He said the scheme was inadequate and that parents would not let their children use the cycle routes, fearing they were not safe.

If the proposed scheme goes ahead, cycle lanes would be created in both directions along Old Shoreham Road from Dyke Road, Brighton, to Applesham Way in Portslade.

Tony Green, from cycling campaign group Bricycles, said he believed Brighton and Hove City Council would find it difficult to stop motorists parking in the cycle lanes.

David Parker, the council's head of transport planning, said the council was encouraging more people to cycle to reduce carbon emissions, improve air quality, health and to reduce obesity.

The council’s environment cabinet member meeting will decide if there is sufficient support for the scheme to be developed.

For more information about the proposed cycle route, go to www.brighton-hove.gov.uk.