CYCLEWight

CycleWight was formed to campaign for better cycle provision on the Island. We work with any organisation or individual that wishes to work towards that goal. The group also participates in ways to encourage more people of all ages to learn of the joys and benefits of cycling.

Mince Pie Ride

Friday December the 27th sees our annual mince pie ride. This year it is from Wroxall to celebrate the upgrading of the cycletrack to Shanklin. This venue will allow people a flat, safe and easy ride with their familes or a bit more challenging if you wish. There will be mince pies and mulled wine for those who wish. [Donations welcome] We will be at the Wroxall Community Centre between 11AM and 1PM. Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.

Ideas For The Future

CYCLEWight was asked by the Council to coordinate a list of projects that would enhance cycle provision. This list was compiled by people attending the last Cycle Forum and from suggestions that people made on Facebook. Please have a look at the list and contact the group if you have any ideas on how these could be achieved. To see the list Click Here

CYCLEWight AGM

The AGM took place on Friday 29th November. Nearly 40 people attended and listened to three presentations. The first was from Will Ainslie who talked about the LSTF project with great enthusiasm. He was followed by Tom Ransom from Visit Isle of Wight. He has recently returned from living in New Zealand and gave a presentation on some of the successful initiatives introduced. Finally Councillor John Medland, who is vice-chair of the Sustainability Committee talked about his work since taking office. Particlarly inspiring in his presentation, was his desire to see the rights of way on the Island have a more coherent structure than at present. More details of the three presentations are in the AGM minutes, which can be viewed HERE

Cycle Forum
The Cycle Forum met at the beginning of October. It was the best so far since CYCLEWight took over the administration of the meeting.  This covered all types of cycling from competetive to leisure. By the end of the meeting it would be fair to say most of the people left enthused! It is now up to as many people as possible to be willing to work toward making these things happen.

Upgrading of Cycle Track

Work to improve the surface of the Shanklin -  Wroxall shared pathway has begun. Work will continue until 17.00 hours on Friday 13th December 2013. The final surface will be laid betwen May and September 2014 when temperatures are suitable to carry out this type of work.

Make Cycling Safer

Research shows that on rural roads removing the center line slows traffic down. Are there any roads which you think are suitable for this treatment? Please contact CYCLEWight via the website contacts page so we can make a list to submit to Island Roads.
This link explains the Highway Code to riding two abreast.

Local Sustainable Transport Fund
Tom Ransom has been appointed to work with the tourism body as part of the LSTF. Tom's work will involve raising the profile of cycling and walking to attract more visitors to the Island. Tom will be speaking about his work at the AGM. He has had involvement with a successful cycling scheme in New Zealand.

CYCLEWight Facebook and Twitter
CYCLEWight has now both a Facebook and Twitter presence. Please join us online to keep up with the latest information

JOIN CYCLEWight

We need YOUR support to help us continue promoting cycling and campaigning for better conditions for cyclists on the Isle of Wight!

       
                   
        
Things YOU can do
              

• Support Our Campaigns
  

   We campaign on local cycling issues and
    schemes. Join us, tell your friends
    write to your local MP!
.

• Report Issues Affecting Cyclists
  

   Please take time to report potholes
    any right of way obstructions
    dangerous driving
    or abusive vehicle drivers

               
Marketing Group This business group promotes the West Wight area. Each year they put on a series of events to highlight the local community. As part of their activities they support a local group who they believe share their aims. In 2014 this group will be CYCLEWight! This means that some of the funds they raise will be passed on to our group, which is a very exciting prospect. The committee hope that CW members will support some of their events. Please follow this link to see the first of these.

Congratulations to the Island Roads team who have swept the entire length of the Cowes to Newport Cycletrack! In the past CYCLEWight and others have requested that it should be done on a regular basis. This was not the case. Lets hope that this good work continues.

Fill That Hole Campaign
All cyclists need to report any defects in road surfaces. The CYCLEWight committee suggest that you use the "Fill that hole" campaign on the CTC website to report dangerous road conditions.

Road Safety - Lorries
CYCLEWight was involved with the launch of a campaign by the Road Haulage Association to hightlight the danger to cyclists posed by large vehicles. This in recent weeks has become even more of a imprtant topic. The following YouTube link is very enlightening. Lorry Blind Spot Demo. If you would like to view what CYCLEWight did, then click here

Road Traffic Police
Tim Thorne [chair of CYCLEWight] met with Sgt Dave Sanderson head of traffic police on the Island. The meeting was very useful, as it was an opportunity for both parties to understand how they operate. The traffic policemen on the Island face a wide range of issues from speeding to using mobile phones whan driving. You can follow the IOW traffic police on Twitter #iowpolroads.

CYCLEWight Website
Since the 'new look' website launched in October 2012 we have had over 4,000 hits. The majority of the visitors do come from th UK, interestingly the next highest country is the USA! Yee Haa! It is pleasing to think that the website is being used on a regular basis by so many people.

Visitors since 01 Nov 2013

Just4Fun Ride
This group has now been formed for over two years. They meet on the first Sunday of the month at the Griffin Pub, Godshill. They try to be as inclusive as possible by riding at the pace of the slowest rider and always finish with a refreshment stop at a cafe. More details on this website on the calendar.