Ryde Town Council is thrilled to announce the official opening of our Beach Accessibility provisions.
This milestone event marks a significant step forward in ensuring that everyone, regardless of mobility challenges, can enjoy the beautiful five-mile stretch of Ryde beach.
A community-driven project
This project was born from heartfelt feedback from wheelchair users who felt excluded from enjoying one of Ryde’s greatest treasures. Recognising the importance of inclusivity, we embarked on a journey to make our beach accessible to all.
With inspiration from beach towns across the country, and considering Ryde’s unique shifting sands, we decided on a sturdy wooden boardwalk as the best solution.
Handcrafted boardwalk
Partnering with NaShers, a dedicated men’s sheds group from Seaview, we crafted a bespoke 200-meter boardwalk.
Thanks to their hard work, wheelchair users, people with mobility challenges, and families with pushchairs can now easily access the beach.
Accessible equipment
In addition to the boardwalk, we have introduced a range of equipment to make beach strolls and sea splashes accessible to everyone.
Our collection includes beach and sea wheelchairs, a sand rollator, and equipment provided by the Lifeguards, all available free of charge through an online booking system.
Changing Places unit
A major upgrade accompanying these provisions is the seasonal Changing Places unit located near the existing toilet facilities.
Fully equipped with a ceiling hoist, changing bench, shower, and accessible amenities, this facility ensures that everyone can enjoy their time at the beach comfortably.
Support from stakeholders and sponsors
Our success would not have been possible without the support of key stakeholders: Hovertravel, Visit IoW, Grace’s Bakery, Ryde Community Development Trust, Isle Access, and Unlimited Island. Special thanks to Coghlan’s Digger Hire for their invaluable assistance in preparing the beach area.
We also extend our heartfelt gratitude to our main sponsors—Diametric, Visit IoW, and Sport England. Along with Ryde Town Council, Isle of Wight Council, and our wonderful crowdfunding contributors, their generous financial support helped us exceed £47,000 in funding.
Event highlights
We are delighted to introduce our esteemed speakers: Will Myers from Visit IoW and Neil Chapman from Hovertravel, who will discuss the positive economic and tourism impacts of our accessibility improvements.
Wheatley: Do come and say hello
While our Ambassador Michelle Wheatley couldn’t join us, she sends her heartfelt message,
“We are very happy that this project has had such a great start and can’t wait to get on the beach and use the equipment.
“We hope to see you on the beach and in the sea this summer and ask that you do come and say hello.”
In her absence, we invite Jan Brookes from the Island-based charity “Isle Access” to share a few words.
To officially inaugurate our Accessibility Provisions, we are honoured to have Richard May, Ryde Mayor, and Graham Biss, High Sheriff of the Isle of Wight, join us in cutting the ribbon.
Join us in celebrating!
We invite the entire community to celebrate this incredible achievement and enjoy the enhanced accessibility features at Ryde Beach. Together, we are making Ryde a more inclusive and welcoming destination for everyone.
Thank you for your continued support and we look forward to seeing you at the beach!
News shared by Kyle-Ann on behalf of Ryde Town Council. Ed
