Cyclists have raised concerns that a planned cycle path along the A24 would not be suitable for people on bikes.

Surrey County Council has secured nearly £600,000 from the Department of Transport to help build the route from Leatherhead to Ashtead.

The council is providing a further £255,000 towards the scheme and seeking views on the path along Epsom Road, across the Knoll Roundabout and the M25 overbridge then down the A24 into Ashtead.

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Jamie Chisholm and John Brameld outside Bike Beans Cycle Cafe

Jamie Chisholm, owner of Bike Beans Cycle Cafe, in Ashtead, is concerned the proposed route did not link schools and ended in “no man’s land” in Ashtead.

He said cycle paths should cater for less competent cyclists including children and older people, suggesting an alternative route, along Linden Pitt Path.

He said: “I hope it does not become a white elephant.

“I am keen not to just poke holes in the route, but to make the most of it and do everything we can to get more people on bikes and cycling.”

Mole Valley Council leader and Ashtead County Councillor Chris Townsend said the route was perfect for inexperienced cyclists.

He said: “In my view it is a positive move.

“It has to be remembered the cycle path is being created for people going shopping and mums taking children to school, not for lycra bikers.”

Coun Townsend added there would be significant improvements to the junction near Downsend School and a crossing would be put in at Knoll Roundabout.

Of cycling by the A24, he said: “You are away from the road and you would be going against the traffic.”

County Councillor Tim Hall, who represents Leatherhead and Fetcham East, said going along the A24 should be fine as long as the path was wide enough and not in the road.

To take part in the consultation, which ends on August 27, visit surreycc.gov.uk/leather headashteadcycling.

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