A former football field in Newchurch is set to become a Cycle Hub to provide cycling facilities and hopefully fix a serious traffic hazard.
Owners of the Pedallers Cafe, along the cycle route 23 in Newchurch, Mr and Mrs Hughes, have submitted plans to the Isle of Wight Council with the idea to create a sustainable rural business based on a rural cycling hub.
Encouraging park and cycle
It would encourage people to park and cycle either on leisure journeys or work commutes with close links to the popular cycle track that runs from Cowes through Newport and Newchurch to Sandown.
A two-storey building would be built at the site of the former home of Newchurch Football Club and would include a repair workshop, cycle hire and wash facilities for visitors.
New vehicle access
A new vehicle access would be built directly from the site onto The Shute, to the north of the pinch point and within the national speed limit section of the road.
However, pedestrians could use pathways to reach the cycle track instead.
Car parking would be free, but a fee is proposed for bike and equipment stored within the building.
Parking concerns
It is hoped the new provision would alleviate problems on-street parking causes in the village.
Parking concerns have been raised by residents with one even saying an accident would soon happen if nothing changed.
Call for double yellow lines
Another resident said the problem was ever-increasing as the road and view along it gets obstructed, being a constant hazard to those who need to cross it.
There have also been calls for double yellow lines to be added along The Shute, should the application be approved, to make the road safer.
Praise for the plans
The plans have so far been praised by those who commented on the application, including Visit Isle of Wight’s managing director Will Myles.
In a letter of support submitted to the council, Mr Myles said one of the Island’s major promotions to tourists is around walking and cycling, but the infrastructure needs to be fit for purpose.
He said this application would add to the much-required infrastructure and should be applauded for its foresight.
View the plans
To view the plans, 22/00065/FUL, you can visit the council’s planning register. Comments can be submitted until 11th March.
Article edit
1.40pm 10th Mar 2022 – Details about vehicle access into 20mph zone corrected
This article is from the BBC’s LDRS (Local Democracy Reporter Service) scheme, which News OnTheWight is taking part in. Some alterations and additions may have been made by OnTheWight. Ed
Image: © Peter Ferns Architecture
