Ryde’s beach accessibility facilities have been officially opened this week, marking a significant step forward in ensuring that everyone, regardless of mobility challenges, can enjoy the beautiful 5-mile stretch of Ryde beach. This project was born from heartfelt feedback from wheelchair users who were excluded from enjoying one of Ryde’s greatest treasures. Recognising the importance of inclusivity, Ryde Town Council embarked on a journey to make the beach accessible to all. With inspiration from beach towns across the country, and considering Ryde’s unique shifting sands, it was decided a sturdy wooden boardwalk was the best solution. Partnering with NaShers, a dedicated men’s sheds group from Seaview, a bespoke 200m boardwalk was crafted. Thanks to their hard work, wheelchair users, people with mobility challenges, and families with pushchairs can now easily access the beach. In addition to the boardwalk, a range of equipment to make beach strolls and dips in the sea accessible to everyone has been introduced. This includes beach and sea wheelchairs, a sand rollator, and equipment provided by the Lifeguards, all available free of charge through an online booking system. At Wednesday’s official opening, Ryde Mayor Richard May and High Sheriff Graham Biss were on hand to cut the ribbon. Speakers on the day included Visit Isle of Wight’s Will Myles, Hovertravel’s Neil Chapman and Isle Access’ Jan Brookes. 
A major upgrade accompanying these provisions is the seasonal Changing Places unit located near the existing toilet facilities at Eastern Gardens. 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. Annette Johansson-Steed – Projects Officer at Ryde Town Council, has said:
“This opening would not have been possible without the support of key stakeholders: Hovertravel, Visit Isle of Wight, Grace’s Bakery, Ryde Community Development Trust, Isle Access, and Unlimited Island. We also say a special thanks to Coghlan’s Digger Hire for their invaluable assistance in preparing the beach area. “The support from our main sponsors—Diametric, Visit Isle of Wight and Sport England has been outstanding. 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. “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.”
For more details and bookings visit https://www.ryde-marina.co.uk/beach-hire-services/beach-accessibility-bookings/ or contact Ryde Town Council on 01983 811105 or via email [email protected].
I would prefer it if they stopped using the word “community” to describe the town. It implies some sort of utopia of everyone all together, helping each other out and singing kumbaya whilst holding hands and dancing around an open fire.
Ryde is not a community – it is a collection of people, who don’t really want to live around most of the other people that live in the town and resent the influx of dinghy people we see wandering around. Ryde is also festooned with drunks and junkies as well as thieves who I would hardly call community minded.
What ‘Dinghy’ people? You are living in your own fascist little world. There are literally no asylum seekers on the Island at all.
Mike whoever islander is, obviously a backward sad individual
who is bitter with life, probably getting old and doesn’t want
to move with the times.
Seems to have a fetish with Dinghy’s.
Very sad.
What a load of nonsense.
Ryde is a lovely place there are a few selfish backward B’stards who live in
the Town, apart from that it is a great place to live.
The only Dinghy persons on the island are the lovely
Holidaymakers who visit the island every year.
You need to go back to school to get an education.
Soo holidaymakers will be like the Dodo after cross Solent ferries have achieved their objective of running FEW OR NO SERVICES or pricing the average man out of the market.
I agree Ryde is a really lovely place to live.
Nowhere is devoid of crime.
Another sad DEFORMER, get over it, Deform will never get in
on the island.
I suggest you move to either
Clacton, Essex
Boston and Skegness, Lincolnshire
South Basildon, Essex
Great Yarmouth, Norfolk
Ashfield, Nottinghamshire
5 Numpty areas you should feel at home in,
the island does not need your type.
Enough about yourself and your family.
Us born and bred in Ryde love it.
Best beach in UK
Stop whingeing, get a life, if you don’t like it
move.
Those of us who’ve moved here and worked here love it too!
Best beach in UK haha best flat plane of sand more like, rydes disgusting it’s like going to Paris, sounds good but it stinks and is full of low lifes. Ryde is the worst place on this island have avoided it for most of my life here.
Sounds like you could do with doing your bit
for the country (National service)
It might teach you a thing or two.
A great addition to Ryde, nice for everyone to be
able to enjoy the beach.
At least selfish morons won’t be able to park
their vehicles to stop disabled persons accessing
the beach.
Well done to all involved.