Welcome news for Island cyclists. This in from the council, in their own words. Ed
The new Newport cross town cycle link has been completed and is already being used by cyclists.
This has created a designated link and safe route for cyclists between Blackhouse Quay and Shide providing the final piece in the route between Cowes and Sandown.
The works include the resurfacing of Connie’s Way between Furrlongs and Shide making it wider for pedestrian and cyclist use, a segregated cycleway on the footway at Coppins Bridge and a new crossing at the bottom of Newport High Street. The Blackhouse Quay section of the route was completed last summer.
Sustrans grant enabled work
The scheme was funded through a £100,000 grant from UK charity Sustrans and match funding secured by the council through developer contributions.
David Pugh, Leader of the Isle of Wight Council said, “The council is very keen to promote cycling as an alternative mode of transport and also an excellent way of keeping fit.
“I used the new cross Newport cycle track for the first time this morning, on my way to work, and was impressed at how quick and hassle-free it was. This link now means that cyclists have a safe and dedicated route from Cowes to Sandown and I want to thank Sustrans for providing the necessary funding to make this excellent new link possible.”
Hope to encourage more cyclists
Simon Pratt, Sustrans Regional Director for South East of England said “We are delighted to be able to offer funding to improve conditions for people walking and cycling in Newport.
“We hope that now even more people will choose to get to the shops, work and to school on foot or by bike.”
It now means keen cyclists can follow National Cycle Route 23 from Reading in Berkshire through to the Island’s eastern coastline.
The track was officially opened today (Monday 5 March) by Isle of Wight Council leader David Pugh, Simon Pratt from Sustrans and Tim Thorne from CycleWight.
Image: Simon Pratt (L), Tim Thorne (C) and David Pugh (R) marking the opening of the cycle track at Coppins Bridge
