The public are being asked to help shape the next phase of an East Sussex cycle route.

The first section of the Lewes to Ringmer cycleway was opened in 2010, with a half-mile stretch completed alongside the B2192 from New Road, Ringmer.

Now, East Sussex County Council has identified a potential fund stream to continue the route to Lewes, and is holding a month-long consultation on the scheme, including exhibitions of the proposals.

In particular, the authority is asking people to give their opinion on five options for the section of the cycleway between the B2192 past Earwig Corner to Church Lane, Lewes.

Cllr Carl Maynard, lead member for transport and environment, said: “The cycleway is vital in opening up access to the South Downs National Park and creating a sustainable transport link between Lewes and Ringmer.

“Cycling is good for health and the environment, and the completion of this cycle route will help to encourage more people to cycle between Lewes and Ringmer.

“There are a number of options of varying cost, timescale and environmental impact and it’s important we take into account the views of the public before we choose how the cycleway will continue to progress.”

The South Downs National Park Authority has applied for £420,000 funding for the cycleway from the Department for Transport, while if this application is successful, the county council will add a further £180,000. The money would need to be spent by March 2015.

The consultation runs from Friday, July 12 to Monday, August 12, with the questionnaire to be made available on the consultations section of the council website.

Meanwhile, exhibitions of the proposals will be held at Lewes Town Hall on Friday, July 12 from 2pm to 7pm and Saturday, July 13 from 10am to 2pm, and at Ringmer Village Hall on Wednesday, July 17 from 3pm to 7pm.