Hundreds of people have signed a petition after it emerged there will be no level crossings over the new Levenmouth rail link.
Cyclist Gavin Harrower launched the protest, fearing the closure of an existing crossing at Doubledykes will split communities in half.
And it means cyclists and walkers face huge detours when travelling between Leven and Glenrothes.
The crossing serviced the original Leven rail line, which closed in the 1960s.
But Network Rail has revealed it will be fenced off when trains return in 2024.
More than 500 people have so far supported Gavin’s petition which aims to either save the existing route or ensure the creation of a new gate.
And he has the backing of Levenmouth Rail Campaign members, who describe the closure news as a bombshell.
Network Rail has closed more than 1,250 level crossings across Britain since 2009, saying they are risks to the public.
It says there will be no exception for the Leven to Thornton line when it reopens.
No other crossing for four miles
Gavin said: “It’s the main cycling and walking route between the Fife coastal path and the Glenrothes area.
“Me and my kids have used it for years now because we try to keep away from the roads.
“We’ve been told we can still use the path once the railway is open but we can’t cross the line.
“There’s no other crossing for four miles and other active travel routes will take us towards busy roads.”
Gavin said the decision doesn’t make “any kind of common sense” given there is a crossing over the main east coast rail line at Ladybank.
He added: “It’s absolutely great the railway line is reopening but it’s supposed to improve connectivity in Fife, not split communities in two.”
Meanwhile, Allen Armstrong, chairman of Levenmouth Rail Campaign, said members were shocked when they heard the news.
“I do think it’s a bit of a bombshell for people,” he said.
“I know modern railways like to minimise crossings but this means there will be almost four miles where there will be no way to cross the line.
“We knew there would be some difficulties where people have got used to crossing and walking up and down the line, but we feel that’s quite a long stretch to have nothing.”
‘Widely accepted safety reasons’
Network Rail confirmed no crossings were included in the design for the Levenmouth Rail Link.
A spokesman said this was for “very well established and widely accepted safety reasons”.
“There is no existing right of way over Doubledkyes, which is legally a private crossing but obviously never enforced while the railway was non-operational,” he said.
The spokesman said it would “cease to be a point where the railway can be crossed” when construction begins.
“Anyone presently using this path will be advised to find an alternative route,” he said.
He added that future active travel plans would be based on research of how people move between areas.
They will be shared publicly once they are finalised.
Conversation