What do you think of Lewes’ latest Cycle Map? 

Local cyclists have produced the Cycle Lewes Map to share their knowledge of quieter roads, traffic-free paths and short cuts that can make cycling in and around Lewes safer, pleasanter and more fun.

The aim is to inspire more people to get out and cycle, whether to enjoy the town and its surrounding countryside, or to get to work, school or the shops. Now, the Cycle Lewes team would love to know from you how the map could be made even better, as Cycle Lewes’ Sheila O’ Sullivan and Ian McKay explain.

As well as recommended routes within the town, the map has seven routes from the town into the surrounding countryside, and shows pubs, cafés and places of interest along the way. Happily, the mileage of dedicated cycle paths has dramatically increased since the first Cycle Lewes Map 16 years ago. For instance, we can now enjoy the recently designated bridleway connecting Lewes to Iford via Rise Farm, which has glorious views of the valley, with Lewes Castle in the mid-distance.

The printed version of the map is available free at the Lewes Tourist Information Centre and Cycle Shack. To see the online version, go to cyclelewes.org.uk/maps. The country routes are also available on Komoot: https://www.komoot.com/user/cyclelewes

Next plans

We intend to improve the online versions over the summer by adding more photos and descriptions of routes. We also hope to test and upload a wider selection of family-friendly routes.

The new map (with funding from Ouse Valley Climate Action/Big Lottery and Lewes District Council to cover production costs) is the fifth edition, with lots of input from Cycle Lewes members and the Town and District Councils. (In fact, a very early first hand-drawn version was produced back in 1996 by Tim Locke, one of the founders of Cycle Lewes!)

Now we are looking for feedback on the map and how it is being used:  the routes, the map contents (for example coffee shops and places of interest), and generally how easy or not you find it to use.

To help us improve the map and access future funding, we would love it if as many cyclists as possible could complete our short feedback survey (it only takes a few minutes). You can complete the survey here.  

And please be sure to share the survey with family, friends – and anyone who loves cycling (or would love to cycle more) in and around Lewes.

Complete survey here

More about Cycle Lewes: www.cyclelewes.org.uk