PEOPLE in Brighton will wake up to the first new Covid cycle lane on a major dual carriageway as markings into the city are repainted.

The cycle lane will take up two lanes of the A270 Old Shoreham Road, which is one of the main arteries into and out of Hove to the West of the city.

The new road markings limit cars to one lane in either direction.

The new cycle lanes carry on for 1.7 miles in both directions.

New road layouts are being considered for London and Manchester.

Brighton and Hove City Council said the new road layout was a temporary change to free up space for cyclists in response to physical distancing changes in travel.

The Argus:

The council announced the new lanes last week.

The new markings were painted at the end of a Bank Holiday weekend which saw Sussex Police turning potential lockdown breakers away from the city at a checkpoint on the main London to Brighton road.

"Temporary signs will line the road to ensure motorists are aware of the changes and that they are a temporary measure," a spokesman said.

The Argus:

Anne Pissaridou, Chair of the Environment, Transport and Sustainability Committee, said: "Creating this temporary cycle lane will have both health and environmental benefits for the residents of Brighton & Hove.

"Sustainable forms of transport are a key component to tackling our climate crisis and anything we can do to encourage people to cycle will have long term benefits to our city.

“I would again urge cyclists and motorists to travel safely and respectfully during this temporary change to a key route through our city.”

Opposition spokesperson, Councillor Pete West said: "Further to concerns from residents about speeding and high volumes of car traffic, this is very welcome news.

The Argus:

“As the city continues to tackle the impact of Covid–19, measures that enhance the space available for cycling and potentially also reduce vehicle traffic at this time will be hugely beneficial.”

James Cleeton, Sustrans’ Director for the South of England, said: "We welcome Brighton and Hove City Council’s commitment to making more space available for people to cycle safely whilst physical distancing measures are in place.

"The decision to reallocate space on Old Shoreham Road in this way is bold and reflects the vital role that walking and cycling have to play in the UK’s adaptation to and recovery from Covid–19.

"This measure is important for public health reasons, as it will enable key workers to travel around more safely and makes it easier for people to take their daily exercise without coming into close contact with others.

“We hope that more local authorities will implement measures like this, providing safe spaces for their residents to move around without the need to jump in their cars.”

  • The coronavirus Sussex Crisis Fund has been set up to help those affected by the pandemic. The Argus’s charity and American Express have each donated £50,000 to kick-start the appeal. Grants will usually be for up to £5,000. More information is available at www.sussexgiving. org.uk/apply. To donate visit www.totalgiving.co.uk/appeal/sussexcrisisfund