A number of Isle of Wight cycling infrastructure projects are facing severe delays due to an ongoing dispute between the Isle of Wight Council and highways contractor Ringway Island Roads, CycleWight has claimed.
The advocacy group says it has been informed the delays are connected to the Private Finance Initiative (PFI) contract and is now calling on both the council and contractor to clarify the issues and provide a timeline for resolution.
CycleWight is unsure how widespread the impact of the dispute is, but says its projects are being ‘significantly hindered’.
The main concern cited is the fear of riding on roads due to safety risks – something CycleWight says is the biggest barrier to increasing local cycling numbers.
Among the projects currently affected:
- Resurfacing of National Cycle Path 23 between Merstone Road and Horringford – described as dangerous and too narrow, the section was previously in good condition at the start of the PFI contract, when it was promised that cycle paths would be maintained and improved.
- Removal of barriers across cycle paths – a list of barriers was submitted to the council in July 2023. The removal is in line with national policy aimed at increasing accessibility for users of cargo bikes, e-bikes and mobility scooters.
- ‘Think Bike’ road safety signage initiative – this campaign, supported by the council as a way to raise driver awareness, is currently stalled. The signs were meant to offset the lack of segregated infrastructure by promoting road safety messaging.
- Drainage improvements on the Shanklin to Wroxall cycle path – longstanding surface water issues have yet to be resolved, with the reinstatement of ditches now delayed.
CycleWight has said the delays contradict the Isle of Wight Council’s promotion of the Island as a cycling destination.
A spokesperson has said:
“Cyclists riding on the Isle of Wight deserve better.
Article continues below this advertisement “We need transparency about this dispute, clarity on what’s causing the hold-ups, and an urgent commitment to get projects moving again.
UPDATE ON 14TH MAY – An Isle of Wight Council spokesperson has said:
“The Isle of Wight Council and Island Roads remain committed to maintaining and improving cycling infrastructure across the Island. We take the concerns raised by CycleWight seriously and would be happy to meet with them to discuss these in more detail.
“We have ambitious plans to enhance cycling provision, including the development of the Island Green Link, a major new initiative supported by Levelling Up funding. A key part of this is the West Wight Greenway — an ambition for a 13-mile route for cyclists and walkers stretching from Freshwater to Newport, largely following existing rights of way. The aim is to make this route a linear nature reserve, with stopping areas, interpretation boards, and improved access to the wider cycle network, including a connection to the Gunville Greenway.
“The scheme also includes improvements in Ryde and Newport, such as enhanced cycle and pedestrian infrastructure in the town centres, making it easier for residents and visitors to switch between transport modes and access nearby bridleways and cycleways.
“Recent major upgrades already delivered include:
- The Ryde Interchange project
- A 1.2km improved shared route between the Riverside Centre and Mews Lane in Newport
- The resurfacing and elevation of an 80-metre section between Blackwater Hollow and Birchmore Lane to address flooding issues
“Cycling and sustainable transport are vital to the Island’s future — for residents, visitors, and the environment. Our current and upcoming projects include:
- Merstone Road to Horringford: We are reviewing long-term surface improvement options to ensure durability rather than short-term fixes.
- Safety Barriers: In line with updated guidance, we are assessing which barriers may need to be removed to improve safety and accessibility.
- Signage: An initial rollout of ‘Think Bike’ signs has been completed, with further locations under review.
- Drainage: While there are no ditches at the location mentioned, we are exploring the potential for new drainage solutions, subject to funding and landowner permissions.
“Improving the Island’s cycle network is a key priority for the council. All projects are carefully considered and delivered within the constraints of available funding and resources.”
Its funny how they want to spend a fortune on cycle infrastructure, just like they did on Ryde Esplanade. However, what do you never see on these cycle paths? Yes that’s right, cycles! Do we actually need them as nobody seems to use them?
Then I suggest you go along these cycle paths! I am always meeting other cyclists going in the opposite direction to me. Indeed Pedallers Cafe does a roaring trade with all the cyclists stopping off for refreshments.
Maybe you don’t use them but plenty of others do!
Well said. Clearly some of the posters here have never been along the tracks on a bike and are simply not qualified to comment!
The island is full of physcho paths – I mean cycle paths
No cyclist uses the cycle path along Fairlee road
Simply not true.
Go and see for yourself, maybe pop to
Specsavers on the way.
Lol
I would have to agree. There are not enough people using these paths to justify the money that could go somewhere better.
Lots of people use the cycle paths… perhaps if the surface was better even more people would use them… eh 🙂
The key word in your post ‘seems’ … in fact lots of people use the tracks, you are simply not seeing them, unless you want to camp out for 24 hours along a stretch and make notes? .. and yes, they ARE needed thank you.
The Esplanade cycle path is usually full of idiot pedestrians like your self
PFI? Another rip off.
The island will never meet the Governments Net zero
target!
It is full of dirty diesel and petrol vehicles blowing
out shit everywhere
Don’t tell Ed!
True… when Covid lockdowns stopped all the traffic the air was so clean, no clouds of noxious fumes or constant background hum of engines.. I miss it! .. not the virus of course! 😉
ye this an’it the stone age ..
Also the sea water at Pompey was like
Mauritius.
Anything and everything to do with island shite roads..is going to be late delayed or never done, total bunch of twats..
That is because they have “NO” Management,
or Numpty’s they employ who don’t know how
to manage.
This is a typical island roads day and I am not
joking.
An island roads numpty usually picks up his numpty
mate, they then go and have breakfast, then they attend
to the site of work they are allocated, they then
look at it and think how the fcuk are we going to do
that, they then sit in the cab of their vehicle look at
pictures of a magazine, feet up on dashboard,
text their partners etc eat some more food and then
it’s time for lunch.
After lunch they carry out their Mickey mouse repair
then go and park up down a seafront then it’s time to
go home.
The worrying think is I AM NOT JOKING!
They are over paid for the little output they do,
no wonder the island is in a state.
The sooner they sort it the better surly it’s not beyond the them
Don’t hold your breath!