This in from the Isle of Wight council, in their own words. Ed
In February this year, a scheme was launched in conjunction with Community Action Isle of Wight using Local Sustainable Transport funding to award grants to organisations and businesses keen to serve the cycling market
The grants must be used to support cycle tourism or to install secure bicycle parking facilities such as racks, shelters and hoops at tourism destinations or accommodation centres.
Encouraging greener travel
It is hoped by improving facilities across the Island, more visitors will be tempted to leave their cars at home and use bicycles for journeys, while also stimulating the tourism market and supporting local businesses.
Several organisations or businesses have now been awarded funding, ranging from a few hundred pounds to just over £4,000 for larger, covered cycle storage.
Those benfitting from grants
Among the businesses that will be installing bicycle racks include Quarr Abbey, The Garlic Farm in Newchurch, the Pilot Boat Inn in Bembridge and Vernon Cottage Tea Rooms in Shanklin, with the latter using the money to install racks made to look like penny-farthing bicycles.
For visitors to the Island using local caravanning and camping parks for their stay, new facilities will be installed at Cheverton Copse, Heathfield Farm and Ninham Country Holidays.
Commitment to increasing car-free tourism
Councillor Luisa Hillard, Executive member for sustainability, environment and public realm, said:
“This is an example of how the council strives to deliver positive outcomes by working in partnership with business and organisations.
“Community Action IW did a great job of administering the grants for us and kick-starting some very exciting projects across the Island. The installation of cycle racks is just the first part of this and supports our commitment to increasing car-free tourism.”
Isle of Wight Cycling Festival
As part of the grant scheme, the council has also awarded funding to local businesses to improve the Island’s cycle hire services and will announce details of these in the near future.
The news comes just a few days before the 2014 Isle of Wight Cycling Festival gets underway. The event, which attracts thousands of participants, takes place between 13 and 28 September.
Image: onigiri_chang under CC BY 2.0
