Update 24 05 2026
Campaigning > Cyclewight Latest News
Dear Members,
A slightly early newsletter this month so we can inform you of all the things that are going on.
The Newport Day is fast approaching, Saturday 30th May 10-4 at Victoria Rec. We are there explaining to people about our campaign work. We have created a ‘scene’ to show visitors what 1.5 meters looks like, which is the distance the Highway Code says vehicles should overtake bikes. We will be leading a ride through Newport at 2pm to highlight that easy journeys can be made on a cycle. We are also offering a Dr Bike service. Please come along to support.
Another date for your diary is our Biosphere ride on 4th July. You can join the ride at Merstone from 11 and Yaverland Car Park at 12.30. This second part of the ride will hopefully attract families etc. The end point is Shanklin. Please let all of your friends know. Festival Programme here
We have continued to campaign about the surface of the route between Merstone and Horringford. We understand there have been discussions between Island Roads and the Council about the maintenance of the whole network that is in the contract. We have been led to believe that some progress is now being made. Let us hope so, though it does look like it is too late for this summer.
Progress on the Island Green Link is moving along. There has been a sighting of a surveyor at one of the crossing points in the West Wight and the path at Belmont Lane, near The Racecourse, is closed for ‘works’. We are due to meet the officer leading the work early in June to find out the progress being made.
For the older members many of you will remember doing cycling proficiency. Things have changed! It is now called Bikeability and the course is much more appropriate than riding around the playground with wooden signs and ‘pretend’ roads one Saturday morning. The course now lasts 2 days and much of it takes place on the road to make it more realistic. It teaches all manner of things including how to position yourself properly in the road, priority at junctions and how to do a ‘U’ turn in the road when you realise you have forgotten to pick up the milk. Most of the children who do the course are in Yr 6 (aged10/11)The number of children locally taking the course last year was 566 up from 492 two years ago. This is delivered on the Island by a team of four qualified instructors who work in pairs.
Bikeability is funded by the Department of Transport through the Bikeability Trust. The Council is looking for more people to join the team on a casual basis. (You do get paid). To qualify as an instructor there is a 4 day course, which is mainly practical, though does include having to complete a workbook. Once completed you go out with other instructors for a period of time before you are let loose. For further information email sports.unit@iow.gov.uk
You will remember that we wrote to all of the prospective candidates for the local elections asking for their views about Active Travel. Over 20 replied and out of those 6 were elected. You can go to see who replied and who was elected here. We are in the process of organising an event for Councillors to explain what Active Travel is and what we would like to see.
ReCycle and Bicycle are planning on having a cycle jumble sale on August 2nd at Arreton Community Hall from 10am - 4pm. If you would like a table to sell some of the items you now no longer need please put that date in your diary. It will cost £7. Or come and purchase items that you may need! ReCycle and Bicycle will no doubt be selling some of their excellent products too.