CycleWight Mince Pie Ride - Monday 27th December 

There was a bright, crisp and frosty December morning for the Annual CycleWight Mince Pie Ride.  The cyclists returned to Alverstone Village Hall  where  the Marlows were ready with the traditional mince pies and mulled wine.

 

Ryde Esplanade - Racks restored 

Ryde Esplanade continues to undergo improvements during 2004.  With the completion of the new pumping station at Cornwall Street slipway, 4 new bike racks were installed. 

Major changes are planned for the Esplanade Station with the building of a multi million pound Interchange.  Architects are submitting proposals by February 2005 for planning approval and possible start to building in October 2005. CycleWight will be watching carefully for the provision of high quality facilities for cyclists.  

 

Update 

The IWC budget for cycling has been severely  restricted since April 2004. The only capital project planned for construction this year is the short route through the Wootton Woodland Cemetery joining Station Road to Wootton Bridge.  The Northwood link still has problems to be resolved.

However Sue Marshall the Island's Cycling Promotion Officer has been busy with cycling training and encouraging employers to promote cycling amongst their workforce. CycleWight has attended Cycle Forum and Quality Transport Partnership meetings.   

 

 

Letter to Note 

Letter to The Independent:

Sir:  It is so unfortunate that a few cyclists are giving cycling a bad name.  In the news we are continually discussing three topics: obesity, traffic congestion and global warming.  Cycling provides a solution to all three, but never seems to be realistically considered as such, as it is in, say Holland.  If you cycle, people automatically think you are leftwing/reactionary/anti-establishment. All we are is people who have discovered there is this amazing money and time saving device called cycling. No gym fees, no commuter costs,

Summer is coming, give it a go.

Nick Spencer London SW18

 

Seaview Duver Wall rebuilding features new cycle rack 

After a winter of disruption by reconstruction of the seawall defences, the seafront route between Puckpool and Seaview is now clear. The very pleasant signed seafront route between Ryde Canoe Lake, Puckpool Park and Seaview village can now be enjoyed with the addition of  cycle parking racks set into a stone block. 

Council's Cycling Plans for 2004/5 

A budget of £200,000 has been set for cycling projects by IWC  for the new financial year.   £50,000 is committed to the Wootton woodland burial route joining Station Road and Wootton Bridge as this was part of a 'planning gain' and must be completed this year. The rest of the budget, we understand, will be directed to urban routes and cycle parking in towns.  We hope to learn more details of schemes and help to influence the priorities so that money is directed into those urgent schemes close the the heart of CycleWight members.

The new contra flow lane for cyclists in Trafalgar Road and round the corner in Node Hill, Newport now puts cyclists at an advantage.  Initial reaction from cyclists is positive. It is the first cycle lane on the Island to be 1.5m wide. It will be green textured at a later date.

Sue Marshall from London has been appointed the IW Cycling Promotion officer and is now on a steep  learning curve getting to know the Island. 

The 2004 Cycling Festival will be coordinated by Wight Leisure during the period 18 - 26 September.  Ruth Jones of Wight Leisure outlined the plans at the Cycle Forum. They will include the popular offroad challenges, led rides, vintage cycle displays and a charity fund raising 'Round the Island' ride.

 

Randonnee 2004 

The biggest mass cycle event on the Island, The Isle of Wight Randonnee, will take place as usual on the May Bank Holiday Sunday May 2nd.  It attracts cyclists of all ages and abilities and the picturesque round the Island route of 100km will be completed by over a 1000 participants.

Further information at www.cycleisland.co.uk

 

Next Cycle Forum set for March 

CycleWight will be attending a Cycle Forum with IW Council on 4th March.  If you are CycleWight member and have matters you would like us to raise please contact a committee member.

 

Active Transport Day  -  Southampton  Saturday 10 January

At the Bargate, in Southampton City Centre  you can find out about exercise, healthy eating and less car use (from 10am to 4 pm.).

Further information at www.southamptonhealth.nhs.uk

 

Cycleways suffer from extreme winter weather

This is a view of the Newport to Cowes route just north of Dodnor Lane after the heavy rainfall before Christmas. Drainage on this route is a major problem and the solution will be expensive but vital for the future.