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The new Newport cross town cycle link has been completed and officially opened.
It's created a designated link and safe route for cyclists between Blackhouse Quay and Shide providing the final piece in the route between Cowes and Sandown.
The works included the resurfacing of Connie’s Way between Furrlongs and Shide making it wider for pedestrian and cyclists to use, a segregated cycleway on the footway at Coppins Bridge and a new crossing at the bottom of Newport High Street. The Blackhouse Quay section of the route was completed last summer.
The scheme was funded through a £100,000 grant from UK charity Sustrans and match funding secured by the council through developer contributions.
Simon Pratt, Sustrans Regional Director for South East of England said "We are delighted to be able to offer funding to improve conditions for people walking and cycling in Newport.
"We hope that now even more people will choose to get to the shops, work and to school on foot or by bike."
It now means keen cyclists can follow National Cycle Route 23 from Reading in Berkshire through to the Island's eastern coastline.
The cycle track was officially opened by CycleWight chairman Tim Thorne, Isle of Wight Council leader Cllr David Pugh and Simon Pratt; the regional director of Sustrans.
Speaking to Isle of Wight Radio Mr Thorne said, "It's been more or less impossible to get across Newport safely so this is an important step for Islanders and visitors. It really is the missing link and it's great news."
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