A new bike hub has been given the go-ahead, near a popular Isle of Wight cycle route.
A two-storey building will be built on the former ground of Newchurch Football Club, on The Shute, which will include a repair workshop, cycle hire and wash facilities for visitors.
The sustainable, rural cycle hub has been proposed by the owners of the Pedallers Cafe, Mr and Mrs Hughes.
Encouraging more cycling
It is hoped the hub will encourage people to park and cycle either on leisure journeys or work commutes, as it sits near the route 23 cycle track, which runs from Cowes to Newport and through to Sandown.
Plans have been supported by Cycle Wight, Visit Isle of Wight and the Isle of Wight Ramblers, along with locals who say the car park would remove the danger of stationary vehicles on the road.
Formal bridleway now required
No path has been proposed between the cycle hub and the cycle path, but a formal bridleway is now required by the Isle of Wight council, behind the nearby business park, so pedestrians do not have to use the main road.
Supporters also feel the Dutch-barn style building for the cycle hub is modern and traditional and its facilities would boost the Island’s reputation as a cycling destination.
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
