A bridge specifically for cyclists could be built over the River Medway, according to Maidstone Council which has allocated £250,000 in its budget to have architects draw up plans for the crossing. It would run alongside the existing High Level Rail Bridge by Maidstone East Station.

The council has also set aside £4 million in its 2026/27 capital budget to build the bridge, although council leader Cllr Stuart Jeffery admitted that figure was unlikely to be enough.

“We shall have to seek match-funding from joint partners in the venture,” he said.

Cllr Jeffery explained the need for the bridge.

He said: “Every morning, thousands of children cross the bridge on their way to one of the six schools in the area.

“Cycling on the bridge is prohibited because for some of its length it is not wide enough to have cyclists and pedestrians mixing safely, though of course, many children – and adults too, for that matter – still do cycle.

“I walk over this bridge myself almost every day and I know how uncomfortable it is when you encounter a cyclist, particularly in the narrowest section, which is only 4ft wide.

“In addition, there is a planning application submitted to redevelop the Power Hub to flats, which is going to place another 400 or so people at the St Peter’s Street end of the bridge.

“Some of those will be people in wheelchairs or parents with buggies and at present it is very difficult for them to access the High Level Bridge because of the steps.”

He believes a new bridge for wheeled traffic – both cyclists and wheelchairs – is the answer, with a ramped access.

(Picture: Mapillary)