Update 08 05 2023 - CYCLEWight

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Update 08 05 2023

Campaigning > Cyclewight Latest Update
Dear Members

Well, some news.

Most importantly, what a wonderful time we had last Saturday at Merstone Station for our 30th anniversary. We lost count of the number of people who attended. It was fantastic to see all the picnic benches full and bikes aplenty. Please find a few pictures here and more can be viewed on our website. Many thanks to all of you who came and all the people and groups who made the day possible.  
                         
It’s a long running story but is the end in sight?  The track at Blackwater has been in a very poor condition for a long time. We have encouraged people to write to Island Roads and IWC. We have now seen several replies received by members of the group. The letters have said the matter is being taken seriously and there are discussions at a senior level. This sounds a bit more  positive though of course it should have been picked up by the various bodies monitoring this stretch and not people raising it as an issue.

Good news. You may well remember we wrote before to say we had been put through to the final round of applying for funding from the South Western Railway Customer and Communities Improvement Fund. Well, last week we heard we have been successful.  This money will allow us to pay for a survey to look at the possibility of upgrading the path from Brading Station to Yarbridge. There is a long way to go for the actual path to be built but it does mean we can  hopefully be in the position to apply its funding if the idea is seen as feasible.

There is to be a 'Be More Green’ Festival in Moorgreen Road, Cowes on Sunday 28th May 10-5. There is lots to do for people of all ages. We have attached a poster. We will be there supporting people who wish to ride and to top it all we will be  giving our bells away. Please come along to support us and the event.
Going Electric. This is an event that will cover all means of electric transport. It is at Isle of Wight College on Sunday 30th July. We will be there with some of the bike shops. An opportunity to have a go at an electric bike. (Though of course we are sure the shops would not mind you popping in before then!)

Finally, wasn’t the Randonnee good? Over 3,000 people are having a good time. Well done to the Wayfarers who organised such a brilliant event. (Again) Two things struck us. How much money does it raise for Island groups and businesses? Many participants do make a weekend of it. The Chair came across a group of 20 who were staying in several properties in the Seaview area for example. At our celebration at Merstone it made you realise that Route 23 is absolutely brilliant for the half Randonnee and the flat Walk the Wight. We maybe should give ourselves a small pat on the back for our foresight 30 years ago.
Isle Of Wight Cycling Campaign
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