Brian Hart from Uckfield, who describes himself as an experienced recreational cyclist, narrowly escaped a potentially life-threatening crash where the cycle path is crossed by the lane leading to Charleston.
He said: "On July 29 I was cycling towards Firle near the lane leading to Charleston, slowing as I always do and aware of cars in both directions. At the point of crossing, a large SUV being driven by a woman came at speed from Charleston. She was clearly completely oblivious to the fact that a cycle path crosses here.
"It was a very close call for me and it was only through the efficiency of my disc brakes, with my hands being 'at the ready' on my brake levers, that a nasty collision was avoided. My rear wheel skidded and I only just avoided hitting the side of her car, ending up parallel with her offside."
He went on to describe places along this cycle path where great care needs to be taken but adds Charleston is the greatest hazard of all. "I have often thought of it as an accident waiting to happen."
So last Sunday Brian rode a few yards up Charleston Lane to look at the approach to the A27 and the cycle/horse riding path.
"As I suspected, there is no sign alerting motorists of its existence. I am convinced that many visitors and delivery drivers have no idea of this path's existence, especially as there are no road markings."
As a result, Brian contacted both East Sussex County Council (ESCC) and National Highways about installing a warning sign to visitors leaving Charleston as they approach the path. And he notes that he sees many teens and children cycling along this path.
In response to a query by the Sussex Express, an ESCC spokesperson said that this is a matter for National Highways.
National Highways responded by saying their project manager would like to speak to him regarding the query and asked for his number so they could get in touch. Now he is cautiously optimistic contact might be made and some action taken, before there is a serious collision on what he regards as 'an exceptionally dangerous crossing. '
Brian concludes: "I really don’t want them cutting down the trees and spoiling this rural scene, or putting up awkward steel barriers to negotiate. Just simply do what I’ve suggested!"