Cyclists are now able to travel to the hospital in Pembury on an extended path, delivered as part of a £900,000 highways scheme.
The new link connects to the existing route which follows the A21 to Tonbridge and through North Farm to Tunbridge Wells, which opened last year.
Greg Clark, MP for Tunbridge Wells, and Tom Tugendhat, MP for Tonbridge, joined cyclists and dignitaries for a celebratory ride along the two mile extension on Saturday [May 12].
Mr Clark, who is also Business Secretary, was loaned an electric bike from Cycling Made Easy shop for the occasion.
He said: ‘This new cycle path is a fantastic opportunity for people to cycle to work or for leisure. It’s a great addition to the local cycle network.’
Kent County Council and Highways England were behind the scheme, which also included improved links to the footbridge over the A21 at Blackhurst Lane.
The authorities will be using a high-tech counter device to record the number of pedestrians and cyclists who use the route.
For Mr Clark, who doubles up as Business Secretary, it was his second bike-related opening this month, having attended the launch of double-decker cycle parking at High Brooms on May 4.
Last month he was at the ribbon cutting for the new Arriva bus depot in Kingstanding Way, Tunbridge Wells.
‘In spite of the rain, we had a brilliant time riding the new cycle path,’ Mr Clark continued.
‘We need to get the word out so that people know it’s there and might consider cycling between Tunbridge Wells and Tonbridge, instead of jumping in the car.”
David Elliott, Mayor of Southborough, and Michael Payne, Deputy Cabinet Member for Highways at Kent County Council also attended the launch.
