On Wednesday 11th June, CycleWight, the cycle advocacy group for the Island, held a commuter transport challenge from outside outside County Hall, Newport to draw attention to one solution to the present traffic issues.
CycleWight members rode their bikes from Newport to Cowes heading for the Red Jet terminal. A car left at the same time travelling to Cowes following the diversion via Forest Road.
Who would win? Before they left one of the cyclists said,
“The one thing we can guarantee is we know how long it will take us to get there. The car driver does not.”
The result, the cyclists completed the challenge in 24 minutes, the car 34 minutes. With a traffic queue for most of Forest Road the car driver was immediately behind in the challenge, while the cycle group had a pleasant ride up the cycle path enjoying the views and the sound of bird song.
Tim Thorne of CycleWight said,
“With the advent of electric bikes and puncture resistant tyres riding a bike is even more of a great way to get about.
“The health and wealth benefits of using a cycle are well documented.”
The participants rode a wide range of bikes: an ordinary commuter bike, e-bikes specifically designed for urban use and road bikes.
Some dressed for the occasion while others just wore their ordinary clothes ready to go to work once they had participated in the challenge.
Pete Dyer a CycleWight committee member who took part in the challenge said,
“Local and national government must give more emphasis to support Active Travel as it would save the nation billions by people being healthier; physically and mentally.
“Cycle paths are a lot cheaper to provide and maintain than roads.”
CycleWight wanted also to use this event to highlight the fact that many companies do offer a salary sacrifice scheme to help employees buy a bike and for approximately £1,500 people could buy an e-bike that would last years.
News shared by Helen on behalf of CycleWight. Ed
