News from 2003

20 DECEMBER 2003

Solent Coasts Sponsored Cycling Challenge 2004

Bernard Sullivan has asked us to tell you about this event:

Dear Riders and Supporters of the Solent Coasts Sponsored Cycling Challenge.
 
This is to let you know that next summer's event on Saturday June 12th is now ready to take bookings, so visit the updated website at www.solent-challenge.org.uk
 
Because of the huge success of last year's event, which raised £6500 for the three charities, we are planning to increase the number of entrants from 75 to 250, so please get as many friends as you can to apply. The route will be very much as before with various improvements being made to the instructions to eliminate minor points of confusion last time, particularly on the stretch from Gosport to Warsash where a few riders ended up on the shingle beach! Almost all the riders completed the event in a day, one even completed the course by 3.30pm having started at 8am! Another unlucky rider had 11 punctures, so bring your spares along.
 
Once again, the main starting point will be the car park at the Lymington ferry, but this year, I am again mentioning the possibility of using alternative start and finish points, as chosen by individual entrants. This has advantages for riders and ferry operators alike by eliminating any possibility of crowding at any point on the route. The object is simply to complete the whole 66 mile circuit and 6 ferry crossings in the day and raise as much as possible for the very worthwhile causes, so it is not hugely important that you start at any particular place. Not wanting to turn those away who would like to to take part over two days, this is still encouraged for the benefit of those who might struggle to do it all in one. The object of the event is not to demonstrate speed but determination, and as long as the charities benefit and everyone has a great time, this is all that matters.
 
Once again, we are very grateful to all the ferry operators for their support without whom the event would not be possible. I am still sorting out exact details of subsidies for the various ferry tickets and will publish these on the web site as soon as things firm up. I don't anticipate the costs being any greater than last year though.  Our thanks must also go to Beaulieu Estates who are kindly opening up the beautiful footpath along the Lymington river for us to use again, and donating more free entrance tickets to their attractions which will be placed in a draw for those raising £150 or more. All those completing the course will receive a signed completion certificate in recognition of their efforts.
 
Let's get practising!
 
Bernard Sullivan
023 80262825
e-mail info@solent-challenge.org.uk

 

 

11 DECEMBER 2003

Council cash for new cycle routes dries up.

This month's Cycle Forum revealed a virtual standstill for major cycling projects by the  Council. Overspend on the Newport to Sandown route coupled with the dry weather damage to Island roads mean a halt to projected schemes until April 2004.  Because of new rules on Council funding imposed by central government, all spending priorities next year will be determined by the IW Council with transportation having to bid for money in competition with education and social services etc. with no ring fenced government money for green transport projects. 

However the legal difficulties that have halted the Medham link have been overcome and money is available to surface the path from the Cowes-Newport route to Northwood in the next month or so.

Signing route 23 form East Cowes ferry terminal to Arctic Road and at the Sandown end will be undertaken by Sustrans volunteers.  The route across Newport will have to wait until the new one way system for Newport is completed in the New Year. 

The extreme rainfall caused some damage to the surface of the Newport-Sandown route at Horringford. It would appear that soil water pressure caused the impervious fibredec surface to buckle.

 

Feasibility studies on the Brading to St Helens and Bembridge route have been completed by SEEDA  which open up the possibilities for development in 2004/5.

A small amount of money is available to extend the cycle friendly route from Carisbrooke to Newport at Petticoat Lane.

The Council's Traffic Education department are looking to extend the Cycle Proficiency Training in Middle Schools to include on road experience. To achieve this they are looking for new instructors who would be free during school time on specific weeks. They would be given training and paid an hourly rate + travelling expenses.  If you could help please contact Brian Crane or Paula Boulton  at the department's Shide base.

The Round the Island  cycle route signs will shortly be corrected between Brook and Freshwater. They still show the diverted route through Chessell.

No Cycling signs have appeared on the Sandown-Shanklin revetement.  There were representations from the Town and Parish councils to the IWC Parks and Beaches department.  However the revetement is not a highway and the signs have no legal backing. Carry on Cycling. 

  

 

 

9 NOVEMBER 2003

CycleWight AGM

Nine Acres Primary School off Trafalgar Road in Newport will be the venue for CycleWight's Annual General Meeting on Friday 28th November at 7.30 p.m. David Henshaw of A to B magazine will speak on folding bikes & electric bikes.

 

CycleWight led two rides during the Cycling Festival in September and ran an information  stall in the Square in Newport.

  

 

9 NOVEMBER 2003

Island roads suffer from dry summer.

The clay subsoil of the roads in the north half of the Island has caused major cracking of the surface of  major and minor road especially at the margins used by cyclists.  The IWC has announced a £600,000 price tag for the initial repairs which will start 'as soon as possible'.

The one-way traffic system in the Well Street - St Johns Road area of Ryde is now completed and seems to ignore the needs of cyclists apart from a cycle rack installed at the Prince Street - St Johns Road junction. Please let CycleWight have your comments on road improvements including the impending Newport town system in order to put our views forward to the Cycling Forum. 

  

 

 

8 SEPTEMBER 2003

Cycling Festival Events this month

Wight Leisure are coordinating an Autumn Isle of Wight Cycling Festival from 20th September to 5th October.  Cycle racing , vintage displays, offroad competitions and family rides are included. CycleWight will be hosting family cycle rides on Sunday 27th September, 2pm from the Barley Mow at Shide. and on Saturday 4th October at 2pm from Sandown Airport. Phone George Wilks on 01983 524381 for details.

Details are published at www.sunseaandcycling.com 

  

 

8 SEPTEMBER 2003

WightRide launches on 22nd September 

The Isle of Wight Rural Community Council, a voluntary organisation involved in many schemes to improve community life on the Island, has received funding from the Countryside Agency and the Isle of Wight Council for a project to reduce the number of cars used for travelling to work.  WightRide is an internet based car sharing scheme which you can register at  www.wightride.com 

It will be launched at  the Isle of Wight Steam Railway in Havenstreet at 12.30 on Monday 22nd September and Phil Gardner of IWRCC has invited CycleWight members to the launch especially those that cycle to work.

  

 

 

8 SEPTEMBER 2003

Three Cycling Projects in this year's Council Budget. 

After the opening of the Newport to Sandown (Route 23) section the pace of cycling advance by the IW Council will slow this year. Three small projects are in the pipeline for completion by April 2004 - 1) Extending the Yarmouth to Freshwater cycle route to Afton Road 2) Building the Woodland Cemetery  route from Station Road Wootton to Lakeside (behind Mary Rose Avenue) and 3) Surfacing a section of the Newport to Ryde route between Fishbourne and Quarr.  

Also we understand, the heavily criticized fibredec surface that was used for new sections of the Newport Sandown route will be swept to remove the surplus gravel in the next few weeks.

  

 

8 AUGUST 2003

Annual Progress Report 2003 on the IW Local Transport Plan. 

A comprehensive review of the Councils delivery of transport projects and its progress with Targets has just been published. You can view the report at the Council's website www.iwight.com/transport

The sections that deal exclusively with cycling reveal that the Council has revised its targets for cycle usage - By 2006 (not the national target of 2010) to triple the number of cycling trips compared to the 2000 base. "The Isle of Wight has seen a significant increase in the number of cycle trips (from 127,500 in 2001/2 to 181,300 in 2002/3). This increase could be attributed to the development of our off road cycling routes, Island wide on-road infrastructure improvements and provision of new cycle facilities".

In April 2003 the Council signed the Local Public Service Agreement (LPSA) with the Government,. the Cycling target being the only transport target ( others are for Education, Housing etc.). The target is to triple cycling trips and increase the numbers cycling to work and school (Middle and High)  by 50% by 2006. 

On the capital expenditure plans for the next four years for cycle tracks, the report shows £116,000 for this financial year, and around £250,000 for each of the following three years

  

 

8 AUGUST 2003

Great new cycling promotion from Wightlink.

Wightlink have produced a folder to promote cycling on the Island. Written with the help of Island 2000 and illustrated by Alan Rowe, the folder contains cards with  useful  information and details of six short routes aimed especially at novice and family cyclists.

Easy Peasy Pedalling is available free  from Wightlink terminals and is an impressive effort to encourage cycling.

 

 

 

 

 

www.wightlink.co.uk

  

 

7 AUGUST 2003

Cycle Forum up and running 

Part of the all important consultation process, the Cycle Forum, is back after a long break.  It will meet on Thursday 28th August at 14.00 at the Planning offices at Seaclose run by the Rights of Way section.

It gives an exclusive opportunity for all aspects of cycling interests (on road, off road, holiday interests, police, .bicycle shops) to air their opinions with the IW Council.  We hope that progress can be made to support  the plans  to promote cycling in the Local Transport Plan.

  

 

18 JULY 2003

New link from  Cowes to Lymington for 'Cowes Week'.

Wightlink will be running one of the Fast Cats between Cowes (Thetis Wharf) and Lymington during Cowes Week - 2nd to 9th  August.

Ferries leave Cowes at 0815, 1000, 1200,1500, 1700 & 1900 and Lymington at 0730, 0900, 1100, 1400, 1600, &1800. The return adult fare is £12 (£6 children) with no charge for bicycles.  This will be an opportunity for Island cyclists to have a day out in the New Forest, for example - and for mainland cyclists to travel from Lymington to Cowes and to join route 23 Cycleway from Cowes to Newport and on to Sandown.

www.wightlink.co.uk

  

 

 

 

22 JUNE 2003

Route 23 Newport to Sandown opens.

Cllr Ernie Fox cut the ribbon on the first new cycleway on the Island for three years on Saturday 21st June.  In bright sunshine over 300 cyclists of all ages gathered at Shide to take part in the mass opening ride to Sandown and the celebrations at Sandham Middle School.

As the transport portfolio holder for the IW Council Cllr. Fox welcomed the participants and stated his belief in the positive aspects for cycleways to help cyclists, pedestrians, horse riders and the disabled to enjoy the Island's countryside. The benefits are for residents and visitors.  He talked optimistically about keeping the momentum going and looking forward to the opening of the Ryde to Newport, Shanklin to Wroxall and Brading to Bembridge cycle routes, projects which CycleWight has been pushing for over the past 10 years.

With many flags and balloons attached to the cyclists, the participants discovered the delight of the route which follows the track of the old railway line for most of the way.  Where the route crosses the main road at Horringford  the council have installed a 'Pegasus' light controlled crossing where pedestrians, cyclists and horses can stop the traffic on the Arreton road in order to cross. 

Fibre deck has been used to surface the new sections and will need time to bed down and surplus chippings swept. It will be prone to puddling has the surface is uneven and lacks a cross gradient in places. The route has been well sign posted with the new route 23 symbols and milege while larger 'Island Cycleway' boards give information at strategic crossing points. Negotiation with landowners, The Environment Agency and other public utilities has meant that years of work by the Council's Rights of Way department has finally ended with the 8 mile route opening 10 years after CycleWight initiated the feasability study by Sustrans.

National Route 23 will stretch from Sandown to Cowes and continue on the mainland from Southampton to Reading. We are fortunate on the Island to have the most extensive sections of level exclusive cycleway with the added bonus of the route passing the most picturesque and tranquil scenery possible.

Photos show Ernie Fox cutting the ribbon, Cyclists at the Merstone bridge cutting,  crossing the Main road at Horringford and Fire eaters at the Sandham Middle School entertainments, Mass cyclists through Merstone Station and a cycling family and flags on the Shide path.

 

 

12 JUNE 2003

Green corridor cycle route planned for Ryde.

The Ryde Development Trust based in Union Road is pushing ahead with strategic plans for Ryde.  A key for unlocking finances for projects is the writing of the 'Ryde Public Realm Strategy' which is now in draft form. The input has come from a variety of sources: IWC departments, the public, local organisations and consultants.  The Strategy covers the Esplanade, the Town Centre and the links to the surrounding countryside.

Cycling issues are related to general access and movement of traffic around the town. A new idea which is important for cyclists is the creation of a green route from the Esplanade to Smallbrook using the Monkton Mead valley

Mott Macdonald identified in their Ryde Traffic Strategy the need for Pedestrian and Cycle improvement and importantly Pedestrian/Cycle route 'green corridor' alongside the railway.  This will be possible with the rebuilding of the bridges over the railway line at St Johns and Park Road which are in need of major repair work.

In the 'Countryside - Town  and Country Links' strategy objectives identified include 'further development of coastal cycle route to provide clarity on the link from Quarr to Seaview.'  The Monkton Brook route would link tourist resources to the south and provide opportunities for safe routes to school.

We look forward to these plans being implemented.  There is some hope that by late 2004 work will begin on the much awaited Ryde Transport Interchange and many of the exciting ideas in the document.

More information from www.rydedevelopmenttrust.org

 

 

11 JUNE 2003

CycleWight marks the Council's cards

CycleWight has responded to a questionnaire sent by Patrick Lingwood, the SE regional officer for the National Cycling Strategy Board. This organisation is compiling responses from Highway Authorities and Cycling User Groups to help promote good practice in furthering cycle usage in this country and  help Local Authorities achieve their targets for cycle growth. 

For more information about the National Cycling Strategy please visit
www.nationalcyclingstrategy.org.uk

Patrick Lingwood from the National Cycling Strategy Board meets George Wilks from CycleWight at the opening of the Newport - Sandown Cycleway.

Cycling - a summary of Isle of Wight Council’s performance.

We have a pro cycling Local Transport Plan (written by Chris Wells), that has resulted in a good capital budget for cycling for the 5 year period. There has been some limited recognition within the Council of the tourism potential of a well implemented Island Cycle Network and other pro cycling work. It is regarded by some as money wasted, partly because of a history of projects that have done little to increase cycling (Newport to Wootton cycleway).

Cycling development is handled by the Rights of Way Section of Highways, who have no responsibility for works on the Carriageway, and to whom cycling is a low priority. They have been almost exclusively concerned with the development of the Newport Sandown path (Route 23), which is locally much appreciated, but is only one part of the jigsaw.

Attempts at partnership with Cyclewight, the local campaign group, and Sustrans, have not been successful. The result seems to be that some major work gets done, but important details of the route such as signing, maintenance, improvements to the route, e.g. through towns, get overlooked.

As far as we know, no preliminary work, e.g. land acquisition, has been done on future parts of the Island Cycle network as identified in the Council’s Unitary Development Plan. We are concerned that this may lead to a long gap before construction work on the next project can begin.

Highways Traffic Section, responsible for road improvements, have little interest in cyclists. Several opportunities to make improvements on the carriageway have been missed (Kite Hill / Fishbourne Lane, Whippingham Road). There are instances where work that has been carried out has had a negative impact on cycling, such as new road narrowings and centre refuges (Forest Road, Fairlee Road, East Cowes Road) on busy roads. Advanced Stop Lines have been installed at some signalled junctions but several of them lack lead in lanes (Hunnycross). Route 23, opening in June, has a very poor section through the town of Newport, it was an interim section from several years ago which has been completely neglected.

Safe Routes to Schools projects have not included a cycling input.

Planners have little understanding of cyclists needs. Several new developments have included cycle parking which is poorly designed and located, and hence virtually unused.

Provision of cycle parking in towns got off to a good start, but no new racks in agreed locations have been installed in the last year .

 

 

 

 

Bike Week Events

Sun 15th June Family Bike Ride
The Ice Cream Triathalon

Starting Points Cowes Cycletrack 10.00  Barley Mow, Newport 11.00 Budbridge Lane, Merstone 11.30  Newchurch 12.00. Return from Sandown Pier  15.30. 'Pedalling Picnic' to Sandown on this level route and enjoy an ice cream by the sea. The run and the swim are up to you! Join us en route if you wish or for the ride back. Details 840609 / 520529 Children under 14 must be accompanied

Weds 18th June   Bikers' Breakfast

7-00 9-30 a.m. Sainsbury's, Foxes Rd. Newport Celebrate Bike Week by enjoying a croissant and drink before riding to work or school.


Fri 20th June  Green Transport
Tony Juniper  Director Friends of the Earth
The talk has been postponed as Tony will be abroad - It is hoped to reschedule it for the autumn.

Sat 21st June  Grand Opening
Cowes to Sandown Cycletrack

10:30 Official Opening Start of cycle way - Shide (opposite Barley Mow pub) 10:45 Join the Group Bike Ride ­ Newport to Sandown Everyone welcome ­ children, adults, experts, novices, occasional & regular cyclists, tandems, trailers and all . 11:00 Schools Challenge  11:15 Walkers & Non able bodied Challenge Be 1st to ride the route ­ certificates for all   Afternoon of free fun at Sandham Middle School Great prizes & competitions ­ Harry Potter Magical Memory Challenge ­ Safety Workshops/ Training ­ Fun activities ­ Bouncy Castle ­ Face Painting -  Hair Braiding ­ Body Art ­ Stilt Walkers ­ Live Music ­ Food & Drink available or bring your own 'Pedalling Picnic' ­ Displays ­ Exhibitors       

 

"After 10 years and a £600,000 price tag the Newport to Sandown  Cycleway based on the route of the old railway line opens on Saturday 21st June - well  at the moment, Shide to Perowne Way, Sandown. The problem for cyclists will be to find a safe route from Sandown Pier to Perowne Way and from Shide to the Centre of Newport. The latter part will be complicated by the desire of the Council's Highways department to introduce one way systems around Church Litten with no thought for the dilemma for cyclists. We would expect that in the interests of safety that a clearly defined route from the the Barley Mow at Shide to the end of the Cowes - Newport Cycleway should be a priority so that National Route 23 becomes a reality."    

 

 

Cross Solent Event planned for National Bike Week
 

Bernard Sullivan from Chandlers Ford has contacted CycleWight to tell us about a June event:

 
We thought you might be interested in a new local cycling event being organised for charity and taking place during National Bike Week on June 14th. It is quite a challenging event, of one day duration involving some of the most beautiful parts of the Isle of Wight and the Hampshire coastline. It is called the Solent Coasts Sponsored Cycling Challenge and a web site has been set up for the event at http://myweb.tiscali.co.uk/barker_sullivan/
 
If successful, we hope to make it an annual event, but for now, it is just for 2003. Because the route involves both the Isle of Wight and the mainland, we are very fortunate in having been sponsored by Wightlink who will be providing free vouchers for riders to use their ferries on the day. Please take a look at the site and if you would like more information, get in touch. We are looking for riders from both the Isle of Wight and the mainland to take part and in the process, raise some sponsorship for three very worthwhile humanitarian aid charities, all supported by local volunteers.
 
Thanks
 
Bernard Sullivan,  64 Thornbury Wood  Chandlers Ford SO53 5DQ Tel 0044 23 80262825 mob 0044 7884 263132
 Hope and Aid Direct
www.hopeandaiddirect.org.uk

 

 

Randonnee Time Again!

This year's Isle of Wight Randonnee, run by the IW Wayfarers, will be an anticlockwise route on the Bank Holiday Sunday 4th May covering a round the Island route of 100km and also incorporating a mini randonnee of 30km. Details can be found at  http://www.cycleisland.co.uk/

 

(March 2003) Progress on the Newport to Sandown cycle route continues with the photos below showing the trackbed  prepared and a boardwalk constructed on the Horringford-Merstone section. The 100m long dogleg boardwalk joins the Stickworth Hall track to the original railway track across a marsh. Final surface is awaited although it is possible now to cycle from Horringford to Merstone Station.  The date of completion for the whole route still remains uncertain because of the IW Council's budget decisions.

 

 

CycleWight's Extraordinary General Meeting took place on 

Wednesday 12th February 2003 and confirmed a new Chair with the retirement of Tim Thorne after nearly 10 years in the job.

Our new Chair is Val Lawson and a healthy number of members braved a wet night to consider the current issues facing cyclists on the Island and how to confront the Council to improve the safety and numbers of Islanders using bikes.

Tim Thorne was warmly thanked for his leadership of the group and presented with a selection of gifts including a framed collection of CycleWight photos. He will still be active with press relations on the committee.

  The new traffic proposals for Newport were explained and members were urged to object to restrictions on cyclists in the plan which include making Trafalgar Road one way (west to east). We will await the Council's decision with interest.

Events planned include for June Bike Week a Family Bike Ride. 

The Ice Cream Triathalon
Date 15/06  Sun
Starting Point Cowes Cycletrack 10.00  Barley Mow, Newport 10.45, Budbridge Lane, Merstone 11.30  Newchurch 12.00. Return from Sandown Pier  15.30
Brief Description. 'Pedalling Picnic' to Sandown on this level route. Enjoy an ice cream by the sea. The run and the swim are up to you! Join us en route if you wish or for the ride back.
Leader Mike Marlow, 840609, 520529
Fee Donations
Restrictions Children under 14 must be accompanied

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