Cyclists are worried that new trains due to come into service in Sussex next year will carry few, if any, bikes.

Connex South Central has already given travellers at Brighton station a glimpse of new rolling stock which is being ordered to replace elderly slam-door trains.

Now Bricycles, the Brighton and Hove cycling campaign group, and the Cyclists' Touring Club have written to the rail giant expressing concern.

Spokesman Dave Witts said: "The proposed design only allows for the carriage of two bikes or two wheelchairs in each unit with no space for large items of luggage, pushchairs or folding bikes.

"Cyclists, disabled people and others with young children are inadequately provided for and are likely to obstruct other passengers if they attempt to use the train."

He suggests Connex should make sure each train is able to carry a minimum of ten bikes as happens in old trains which have guards' vans.

Mr Witts said this could be done by allowing bikes to go into an area where seats could be folded up.

He added: "If these new trains are introduced, then large numbers of people will no longer be able to take their bikes on commuter journeys to work and the use of the rail network as a basis for weekend leisure cycling will become a thing of the past.

"The net result will be a loss of train customers, an increase in car use and a major blow to sustainable transport in the region."

He said many cyclists did not own cars.

Both Brighton MPs, David Lepper and Des Turner, are taking up the cyclists' case with Connex and the rail authorities.

A Connex spokesman said it was taking into account carrying some bikes in the new trains and added: "We have been talking to a number of cycling organisations about our plans."