Brighton to Saltdean Undercliff Walk could get no-cycling zones

Eddie Woodhouse was playing on a section of the Undercliff Walk, near Ovingdean Café, when he was hit by a cyclist who came hurtling towards him earlier this year.

He was left with cuts and bruises to his face and taken to accident and emergency for further care.

Now, two councillors from the Brighton and Hove Independent Party want barriers and extra signage at three areas of the Undercliff Walk, near Rottingdean, where large numbers of people congregate.

Part of the Undercliff Walk (Image: Submitted)

Councillors Mark Earthey and Bridget Fishleigh are leading the project but have been forced to confirm they are not attempting to close the path to cyclists after rumours began to swirl.

“To be absolutely clear, we are not attempting to close the Undercliff Walk to cyclists,” said Cllr Earthey.

“People continue to raise concerns with me about excessive speeding by cyclists along certain areas of the pathway.

“There have been a number of near misses and pedestrians are worried.

“Matters have come to a head after a four-year-old boy was taken to hospital when he was hit by a bike near Ovingdean Café.”

Proposals would see barriers placed at Ovingdean Café, Molly’s Café, and Whitecliffs Café so cyclists would have to dismount.

Cllr Earthey also wants clear signage at both ends of the walkway in Brighton Marina and Saltdean to notify cyclist they should travel at slow speeds.

Brightly coloured paint on the ground is another option being considered.

Eddie's top lip was cut (Image: Katrin Tweddle)

“For those who want to travel at higher speeds, there is the cycle path along the A259 which follows the same route,” he said.

READ MORE: Brighton: Whitehawk boy hit by cyclist on Undercliff Walk

Despite the promise to keep the coastal path open for those on bicycles, some still see this as an attempt to exclude cyclists from the area.

“It suggests that cyclists should not be using the undercliff and should use the route along the top instead,” one cyclist told The Argus.

Cllr Earthey is asking people to send him details of any near misses they have had with fast cyclists on the Undercliff Walk so he can begin building a case.