It has caused frustration for motorists as work progressed, has cost £400,000, and was the fruition of a long campaign.

Cambs Times: Witcham parish councillor Jane Lucas takes a tumble. Picture: Steve Williams.Witcham parish councillor Jane Lucas takes a tumble. Picture: Steve Williams. (Image: Archant)

But on Wednesday a cycle way linking Witcham Toll to Wentworth was finally opened – and greeted with delight by those who had been part of the 10 year campaign.

“We now have a wonderful community resource,” said Witcham parish councillor Jane Lucas.

The opening was performed by county councillor Bill Hunt who said “it has been in my mind ever since becoming a local county councillor in 2005.”

Cllr Lucas will have reason to remember the opening as she set off along the pathway at side of the A142. She lost her balance and ended up in a ditch. Thankfully she was unhurt so she got back on her bike and rejoined the peloton.

Cambs Times: Opening of the Sutton to Ely cycleway at the Wentworth junction of the A142. This is the one the local cycling campaign group campaigned for. Councillor Ian Lindsay. Picture: Steve Williams.Opening of the Sutton to Ely cycleway at the Wentworth junction of the A142. This is the one the local cycling campaign group campaigned for. Councillor Ian Lindsay. Picture: Steve Williams. (Image: Archant)

“The path is wide and safe to cycle along,” she said. “It was just an unfortunate moment.”

She was keen to emphasis the community effort to get the cycle path and said it would be a major boost to walkers and cyclists for years to come.

The almost 2km path has been upgraded at a cost of £400,000.

The new foot and cycleway completes the seven-mile course from Sutton to Ely. Previously, to make this journey, cyclists had to travel on the main carriageway of the busy A142 for part of the trip.

Cllr Lucas said: “Parish councils, Ely Cycle Campaign and residents have been pushing for this to happen for over 10 years”.

The works, which were completed in two phases over the end of last year and up to last month, were funded by the Local Sustainable Transport Fund from monies to improve connections between residential areas and employment sites

Cllr Hunt added: “The next target - fingers well and truly crossed - is Little Thetford to Stretham.”

Many now expect the route will be used by walkers, joggers, runners and parents with push chairs.

Skateboarders have already used it too.