At just four metres long, this cycle path has left proponents of two-wheeled transport scratching their heads.

The latest addition to Sussex's growing collection of odd cycle lanes runs along the A259 in Telscombe Cliffs, Peacehaven.

But East Sussex County Council, which is responsible for the new path, argues the £400 spent on the new route is a good investment in cyclist safety.

The short stretch of painted tarmac forms part of the National Cycle Route 2, which connects Brighton to Camber, near Rye.

Some cyclists using the route have been left confused because the fourmetre freeway appears completely unconnected to the miles of cycle lanes running in either direction.

However, jazz singer Imogen Ryall, 40, from Rottingdean, believes the lane is still useful despite its length.

Mrs Ryall, a regular leisure cyclist, said: "It may look a bit silly but I think it is needed.

"It shows you how to get on to the next stage of the cycle route, which is on a side road. It would be easy to miss otherwise."

Fred Pipes has been collecting examples of bizarre cycle lanes in Brighton and Hove for five years on his website, www.weirdcyclelanes.co.uk.

He insists he is not criticising Sussex councils, which he believes are doing a good job of promoting and encouraging cycling.

But he believes there is still room for a lot of improvement.

He said: "I am used to the cycle lanes now, even if they are stupid and do not join up.

"The ones that stop and start seem to be a complete waste of money. People park in them and it seems to be unenforced. I do not think they are getting any better but you do get used to them."

He first began his quest for crazy cycle paths when he spotted the lane at the junction of Gloucester Street and St George's Place - about the length of a small bicycle. But Mr Pipes now believes Brighton and Hove's shortest cycle lane is a small section on the pavement opposite the Duke of York's cinema, Preston Circus, Brighton.

Referring to the A259 cycle route, a spokesman for East Sussex County Council said: "These short cycle paths on either side of the dual carriageway are entry and exit points for cyclists using the off-road cycle path alongside Highview Road.

"They help provide a safer journey by alerting motorists that cyclists are likely to enter or leave the road at this point. The approximate cost is less than £400 for both cycle paths."

This is the latest cycle lane to attract controversy.

Recently an argument erupted over whether Brighton and Hove City Council should have spent £730,000 on a cycle freeway which runs along Grand Avenue and The Drive, Hove.

Many residents, including cyclists, say it has been a waste of money, although the council insists the route is an essential part of its plans to encourage more environmentally friendly forms of transport.

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