A CYCLING scheme has scooped its fifth award for linking up Brighton city centre with destinations along the Lewes Road.

Brighton and Hove City Council has won the Best Cycle Network Infrastructure Award at the Cycle Planning Awards ceremony for the Lewes Road scheme.

The network connects central Brighton to the universities, the American Express Community Stadium and Stanmer Park, along with the neighbourhoods along the route.

The scheme provided improved cycle lanes along the three-mile stretch and a priority bus lane for buses.

This latest award marks the fifth time the scheme has won since it was implemented by the council under the Green administration, with funding by the Government.

Councillor Pete West, Green spokesman on transport, said: “This is now the fifth award that we have received, citing the Lewes Road improvement scheme. “I’m delighted and incredibly proud that this innovative scheme is recognised by so many transport experts as an example of excellence in design and delivery.

“It really has made cycling between the city centre and neighbourhoods along this route so much safer and more enjoyable, opening up this option for thousands more people.”

The scheme has also been honoured with the European City of the Year for Sustainable Transport award, the Smarter Travel Award for Most Improved Journey to Work , the Local Authority Bus Project of the Year and it was a winner at the National Transport Awards.