Cyclists who struggled to travel from Charlton to Woolwich without passing through dangerous roads now have their ‘missing link’.

The Thames Path always had a gap in it between the Thames Barrier in Charlton and King Henry’s Wharf in Woolwich, which led to cyclists and walkers being diverted onto the busy Woolwich Road.

It is not a situation that pleased cyclists. Bike riders dying on dangerous roundabouts dominated headlines in the borough in recent months and protesters staged a die-in outside Woolwich Town Hall earlier this month to protest the numbers of cyclists who have been killed on Greenwich roads.

The final filling in of the gap along the Thames Path has been called the ‘Missing Link’ by Greenwich Council, which is fitting given that is what it had been called locally for years beforehand.

The £1.5 million cycleway officially opened on June 20 last week and removes the last permanent barrier to cyclists travelling from Thamesmead to Greenwich along the Thames Path without any in-land detour.

Cllr Scott McDonald said: “This is a project that I know is close to the hearts of many cyclists, walkers, commuters and residents in Royal Greenwich and I am pleased to be here today to see the delivery on this investment.

“This removes the last permanent barrier to walkers and cyclists travelling all along the Borough – from Thamesmead to Greenwich – on the Thames Path without any in-land detour.”

The new connection will be open every day from 6am to 9pm as an early trial, with the council promising to look at the possibility of allowing 24-hour access to the path.

Will Norman, Walking and Cycling Commissioner, said: “I’m delighted that this section of the Thames Path is now open for residents and visitors to enjoy, making it safer and more appealing to walk or cycle, whether you’re commuting or it’s just for fun.

“Unlocking routes like these is a key part of the Mayor of London’s transport strategy which aims to enable more people to walk and cycle.”