New look and accessible Falmer Road path reopens to the public

A pathway linking Falmer and Woodingdean has reopened to the public following a major facelift.

A partnership between Brighton & Hove City Council, East Sussex County Council and the South Downs National Park Authority has seen more than £300,000 spent on the Falmer Road path.

The new smoother and wider surface means it’s now accessible for anyone using wheelchairs or mobility scooters, as well as for people walking, cycling, wheeling, scooting and horse riding.

On the doorstep of the National Park, the 2.5km path has been a popular route for walkers, cyclists and commuters since it was installed alongside Falmer Road in 2013 with the help of funding from the Department for Transport.

It provides a traffic-free link from Woodingdean to the universities of Brighton and Sussex and the American Express Community Stadium and, in 2018, was being used by more than 500 cyclists a week as well as pedestrians and thousands of fans on match days.

The new-look path has:

• 6665m2 of improved surface
• 5km of new edging

The path, which is to be dedicated as a bridleway, will be jointly maintained by Brighton & Hove City Council and East Sussex County Council.

Councillor Martin Osborne, who represents Brighton & Hove City Council on the South Downs National Park Authority said: “The path looks fantastic and I’d like to thank everyone who has worked so hard on the project.

“It’s a great traffic-free link between Woodingdean and Falmer and I know will be well used by people getting to and from the University of Sussex, work or just people out for a walk or bike ride.”

Councillor Claire Dowling, lead member for transport and the environment at East Sussex County Council, said: “We are delighted to have been able to work with our colleagues at Brighton & Hove City Council and the South Downs National Park Authority to improve this link between Falmer and Woodingdean.
 
“We hope this will help to encourage people to choose a more environmentally friendly and healthier way to travel for work and education, or simply enjoy this safe route to walk or cycle in the National Park.”

Allison Thorpe, who leads access and recreation in the National Park, said: “The new surface is the best solution for this well-used route, making it easier for people to get into the South Downs from Brighton or from Falmer station. 

“We know people will enjoy using this route, soaking up the views and connecting with the amazing landscape and biodiversity of the National Park.”