CycleWight, the cycle campaign group, are organising a celebration ride to mark the tenth anniversary of the opening of the Cowes to Sandown cycle track.
Tim Thorne of CycleWight said,
“It took the group eight years of campaigning to make it happen but it was worthwhile. It has become an important part of the Island for visitors and residents.”
The 16 mile track provides an almost traffic free route between the two towns. It passes through beautiful and varied countryside and farmland. It provides people with an opportunity to exercise in a quiet environment as well as to provide a useful commuter route for many people, particularly between Cowes and Newport.
Saturday 22 June
On Saturday 22 June people are invited to ride or walk part of or the entire route. There will be opportunities for people to stop for refreshments and ice cream. To commemorate the event people will be able to complete a card to mark their journey. Newclose Cricket Club are to provide car parking. Access can be gained to and from the track from the cricket club.
The cycle track forms part of the National Cycle Network, route 23 that begins in Reading and ends at Sandown. CycleWight worked closely with the Isle of Wight Council and the sustainable transport charity Sustrans to create the route.
Alec Lawson of CycleWight said,
“On the opening day 10 years ago we had 400 people ride the route, it would be great if we could attract that number again.”
Details of the day can be found on CycleWight’s web site, libraries, bike shops and other locations.
