A new cycle route designed to provide quick, safe and easy access from West Suffolk Hospital to Bury St Edmunds town centre has been officially opened.

East Anglian Daily Times: From left: Lynsey Harris, Bury Local Links project manager, Ben Hathway, Suffolk Highways, Clare Farrant, sustainability officer at West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust, Paul Horne, senior transport planner at Suffolk County Council, Suffolk County Councillor Richard Rout, Soren Sjolin, member of the Hospital Bicycle Users Group and orthopaedic consultant at West Suffolk Hospital and Jan Bloomfield executive director of workforce and communications. Picture: SUFFOLK COUNTY COUNCILFrom left: Lynsey Harris, Bury Local Links project manager, Ben Hathway, Suffolk Highways, Clare Farrant, sustainability officer at West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust, Paul Horne, senior transport planner at Suffolk County Council, Suffolk County Councillor Richard Rout, Soren Sjolin, member of the Hospital Bicycle Users Group and orthopaedic consultant at West Suffolk Hospital and Jan Bloomfield executive director of workforce and communications. Picture: SUFFOLK COUNTY COUNCIL (Image: Archant)

The 620-metre cycle path, which begins in the Hardwick Lane/Cullum Road area of Bury St Edmunds, cost around £30,000 and was funded by Suffolk County Council.

The route was previously a footpath and Suffolk Highways carried out conversion works, including dropped kerbs at crossing points, new guard rails and signs, and resurfacing where needed.

The new path was offically opened by representatives from Suffolk County Council, West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust, Suffolk Highways and the Bury Local Links team.

Councillor James Finch, cabinet member for highways and transport, said: “As part of Suffolk County Council’s work to improve the cycling and walking routes in Bury St Edmunds, the pedestrian route between Cullum Road and West Suffolk Hospital has been upgraded to permit cycling and particularly benefit those visiting and working at the hospital.

“The hospital has updated their cycle parking facilities on site, to further promote cycling. This investment in the cycling and walking routes in Bury has been made to encourage people to make walking and cycling a part of their everyday routine.”

Clare Farrant, sustainability officer at West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust, said: “As part of its Green Travel Plan, the trust provides secure cycle storage, shower and drying facilities on the hospital site and offers staff financial assistance for the purchase of a bicycle through the cycle2work scheme.

“The trust is therefore pleased to support all initiatives to encourage cycling, particularly noting the health benefits cycling can promote such as improving mental and physical wellbeing.

“The trust welcomes the opening of the cycle way linking the hospital with Cullum Road and the on-going routes across the town.”

Bury Local Links project officers also organised a breakfast and bike maintenance session with hospital cyclists – which formed a full morning of celebrations to mark the opening of the cycle path as well as the new secure cycle parking facilities recently installed at the hospital.