A new cycling route around Maidstone could be created to link up areas and get more people out of cars and into the saddle.

It comes as a new festival is gearing up to show off the benefits of cycling later this month.

Research shows very few people in the County Town make a journey to work or school by bike and the council’s walking and cycling strategy includes plans to create an orbital cycling route around the town.

It would include areas between Langley and Loose, within the Loose Valley Conservation Area, in Hayle Park and create links between Hermitage Lane, Barming Station, Sandling and on the A20 Ashford Road.

Last year plans were unveiled for a £2 million cycle path along the River Medway between Allington and East Farleigh.

Council leader, Fran Wilson (Lib Dem), said: “Clearly we don’t have adequate cycling routes in but the council, KCC, and the cycling organisations are working very hard to try and rectify that.”

The first Maidstone Cyclefest takes place in Jubilee Square, Maidstone, on Saturday, September 24.

Festival sponsors Cycles UK, will organise a time trial while punters can get a bike health check and see an exhibition of a range of vintage of modern bikes including Penny Farthing, Bone Shaker, Electric and Olympic models.

One of the organisers, James Willis (Lib Dem), said: “The idea is to make sure people realise Maidstone is open to cycling. In the past there have been a few issues in the town which have caused some people to feel cycling isn’t safe.”

“Cyclefest will give people in Maidstone the confidence and the opportunity to try cycling on the day, looks at the routes available and future plans.”

Maidstone Cyclefest is supported by the borough council and takes place from 10am to 4pm. For more information, click here.