THE council is celebrating after the completion of a new protected two-way cycle lane on the seafront.

The work in Madeira Drive, Brighton, aims to provide a safe space for residents and visitors by giving more space for walkers and cyclists while retaining vehicle access to the road.

Cyclists can now travel separated from cars and pedestrians from the Palace Pier to Duke’s Mound.

Pedestrians will have more space to walk or exercise along the promenade once the existing cycle lane is removed.

READ MORE: Bank holiday weekend of 'bedlam' in Madeira Drive amid traffic standstill

The opening is just in time for National Bike Week, which kicks off today, and was agreed at a meeting of the environment, transport and sustainability committee in September.

Opening the new cycle lane on Friday, chairwoman of the environment, transport and sustainability committee, Amy Heley said: “The new cycle lane looks amazing and will benefit everyone who uses Madeira Drive.

The Argus:

“Moving the existing cycle lane off the pavement means cyclists no longer need to share space with pedestrians and motor vehicles, which undoubtedly makes it safer for everyone.

"With people using the Drive for exercise and to visit local businesses, we know how important it is to residents that we create more space on our pavements.

“It’s so important that we are also creating extra parking spaces for blue badge holders and ensure that Madeira Drive can still be used for organised events which are so popular throughout the year.

“Madeira Drive is such an iconic part of Brighton and Hove. These improvements will help write the next chapter in its long and rich history."

In April 2020, Madeira Drive was temporarily closed to motor vehicles to allow people to exercise safely during the first lockdown.

In October 2020, it was reopened to eastbound motor vehicles following complaints from residents and traders.

The distinctive green coloured cycle lane is part of a series of improvements to the road which will also include:

• Pedestrian crossing points at key spots

• extra parking spaces for blue badge holders (from 14 to 27)

• re-orientation of parking spaces for easier use.

These are expected to be completed in the coming weeks.

Motor vehicles can continue to travel one-way eastbound from the Palace Pier, exiting at Duke’s Mound.

The council says Madeira Drive will continue to be available for organised events, including the Classic Car Run on June 6, the Brighton Marathon and Burning of the Clocks.

The changes have been made through an Experimental Traffic Regulation Order (ETRO), which means we can develop the scheme further if required. You can also comment on the changes up to November 29.