Cycles on the bus trial announced by Green councillor Ian Davey

26 May 2011. Bicycles will be carried on a bus service as a trial in Brighton and Hove.

There will be space for up to two bikes on the 79 bus to Ditchling Beacon, from 28 May, for a trial that will last throughout the summer. Cyclists can taken their bikes on the bus for no extra charge. Bikes will be accepted on a first come, first served basis. The bus driver will advise people how to secure their bike safely on the bus, which has specially-installed equipment.

Councillor Ian Davey, cabinet member for transport and the public realm, said: “The trial is in response to requests from residents who told the council they would like to cycle on the South Downs Way from the Beacon, but find getting there difficult. Ditchling Beacon Road, which links Old Boat Corner with the Beacon three miles away, is a very busy country road which can be particularly stressful to cycle along, so it’s great that there is now a practical alternative.”

A Council Press Officer said: "If the trial is successful, it is hoped to make the bike spaces a permanent feature of the 79 bus route. Bikes are not carried on other city bus routes because all available space is needed for the high number of buggy and wheelchair users. Fewer people bring buggies or use wheelchairs on the 79 route because of the challenging terrain at Ditchling Beacon."

The 79 bus runs every Saturday, Sunday and bank holiday, leaving Old Steine (stop U in the southwest corner) at 10.15 am and then hourly until 5.15 pm. The bus also stops in front of Brighton Station. Buses return from Ditchling Beacon at 45 minutes past the hour, until 5.45 pm. For more information please go to www.brighton-hove.gov.uk/breezebuses or call (01273) 292480.

The 79 bus to Ditchling Beacon is funded by Brighton & Hove City Council and the National Trust. Together with the South Downs National Park Authority they form the ‘Breeze up to the Downs’ Partnership, whose mission is to improve access by bus to popular Downland destinations. The other two ‘Breeze’ routes are the 77 from Brighton Pier to Devil’s Dyke and the 78 from Brighton Old Steine to Stanmer Park. The 79 route is operated under contract by Brighton & Hove Buses and the trial has been possible thanks to European Interreg ‘Collabor8’ funding granted to the Breeze Partnership.