A new campaign is being launched to persuade Cornwall Council to maintain the section of the cycle path between Penzance and the car park at the old Marazion Station.

“CORMAC have done a great job at the Newlyn end of the route,” said cyclist John Rawles of Penzance, “and there is good access from the old station car park into Marazion. Now we need to push on and sort out the middle section – which is a disgrace”.

There are a number of large dips in the path, which fill with water and present a hazard to cyclists and pedestrians alike.

Campaigners say that parts of the path are constructed from ‘honeycomb’ paving intended for car parking, which rattles both riders and their bikes.

In some places, there are deep ruts full of loose sand which make for hard – if not impossible – going. John added: "Recently I saw a cyclist who had given up on the path and was endangering himself by using the sea wall. The danger is obvious – but you can’t really blame people.”

Campaign supporter Linda Camidge, who recently walked along the path at twilight, said:  “Even in the late afternoon, it is very difficult to see where the puddles are before you find them the hard way. It is a lovely path along this marvellous bay, and the investment required to enable everyone to enjoy it next season wouldn’t be huge."

“This route has the potential to be a viable and attractive alternative for walkers and cyclists, ” said Tim Andrewes, the Greens Party general election candidate for the St Ives constituency.

“By using the cycle path, riders avoid the dangerous narrow section of road at Chyandour Cliff and the three roundabouts between Long Rock and Penzance.”

It has been suggested that the stepped footbridge across the railway line, which has a shallow gradient, could easily incorporate a ramp. This minor modification to the bridge would enable mobility scooters and pushchairs, as well as cyclists, to cross from Eastern Green onto the cycle path, avoiding the roundabouts and the main road.

The campaigners hope to get support from the town council, Civic Society, Visit Cornwall and other groups.

“This section is a vital part of the 'end-to-end' national cycle network,” John added.

“We want to attract visitors to enjoy our greatest asset – the seafront with its magnificent views of Mounts Bay. The last thing we need here in Penwith is to be named and shamed among cyclists as having the weakest link in the network.”

If you would like to back the campaign, please e-mail John Rawles (john.rawles@btinternet.com) or Linda Camidge (lindacamidge@yahoo.co.uk).

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