CYCLISTS and walkers are now able to use a new bridge in Hereford after it was officially opened this week.

The Greenway Bridge, which runs across the river Wye linking Bartonsham to Rotherwas, will help workers reach the Hereford Enterprise Zone in a greener fashion. The bridge, funded by Sustrans, was officially opened by Herefordshire vice-chairman Councillor Chris Chappell on Tuesday.

He said it would encourage people to get on their bikes and travel round the city.

“In June, I decided to ride a bike again, but there were so many cars on Holme Lacy Road and it was far too dangerous,”

he added.

“It is the first bridge to be constructed over the the river Wye in Hereford for 40 years and I will definitely use it to get to the council’s offices in Brockington.”

Kate Burgoyne, a Hereford Triathlon Club member, said that the bridge will be invaluable.

“I cycle two to three times a week and cycle whenever I can,” said Kate.

Will Vaughan, of Hereford Pedicabs, said that the bridge will be handy for a community cargo project that the company aims to launch in the new year. The route, which aims to take a couple of hundred cars off the road, largely follows the dismantled Hereford to Ross-on-Wye railway through to Thorn Business Park. The rest of the route to Chapel Road will be open from December 20.