CycleWight says they have become increasingly concerned about the state of the National Cycle Network (NCN) on the Island, with little done to maintain let alone upgrade local routes.
The cycle route from Ryde to Newport via Wootton has been identified as being particularly bad, as has the route from Cowes to Sandown and Wroxall – The Red Squirrel trail.
Island Roads have the contract to look after both routes but CycleWight says in many places very little appears to have been done to maintain the network, let alone upgrade it.
A report has been produced and handed over to the Isle of Wight Council, who have agreed to take on board what has been said ahead of a meeting with Island Roads. Since the report has been handed over, 2 sections of the NCN have been improved.
CycleWight, an advocacy group formed to campaign for better cycle provision on the Island, says that there have been discussions held previously over the exact levels of maintenance of the network.
A spokesperson said:
“Let us hope this time it can be resolved. It is an essential part of the lives of many people on the Island as well as a central part of the tourist offer”.
Suggest it is about time that cyclists had to make a contribution towards the upkeep of their cycle tracks.
I would pay a toll for a track exclusively for cyclists, otherwise no. They are shared tracks so everyone who uses them benefits from upkeep. And they are available to everyone.
It’s not just cyclist that use them paths alot of walkers do and I think we already pay enough towards upkeep of this island
They pay income tax like everybody! So a none argument.
As a user I’m not sure this is fully justified, yes there are bits that are a little muddy, surprise surprise, but there has been a lot done, like the renewal of the ‘boardwalk’ at Horringford and removal roots in places. I don’t think one should expect pristine cycle trails. Those without mudguards don’t care and if you care fit some effective mudguards.
muddy conditions on Freshwater / Yarmouth track as well. I reported problem via fixmystreet website and Island Roads to act—I have not been able to check if work carried out yet.
Perhaps IWC could take action to prevent dogs off lead on all cycle tracks—as per Highway Code , I have been brought down twice and it aint fun!
“prevent dogs off lead on all cycle tracks”
many, if not all, of the ‘cycle tracks’ are actually ‘shared use paths’ & therefore it is the responsibility of cyclists to cycle appropriately and no endanger other path users,.. including people with dogs !
There have been a number of occasions when I have been nearly hit by a speeding cyclist. If one of them hit my dog, I’d sue for the cost of the vets bills at least!
A cyclist quoting the highway code, good god, didn’t think they knew about it.
Well said
Suggest you learn to cycle.
Isn’t there a law that dogs must be on leads in a public place ?
More like you should all slow down on tracks for people walking there dogs!
Just cycled 23 Newport to sandown mud and puddles no problem great fun
Sustrans ranger Ron
We have a good network of cycleways, shame they are so under used.
Perhaps cyclist should be taxed to pay for the upkeep.
They are happy enough to spend a fortune on buying a bolt or nut which weighs less that the original so that a gnat landing upon the cycle would likely weight more than the ‘difference.’
Like many groups of hobbiest, happy to use such, so long as others pay.
It’s not mud its dog poo it’s all on the cycles paths !!!!
idiot.
It will all be rail lines soon so make the most of the tracks while you can
The mess is caused by the cyclists so why moan? I cycle myself but I also remember it’s free so if you don’t like it, lump it, maybe spend some time getting together to maintain the tracks.
Come on, really the cycle track is mudy, why don’t the cyclist take a page from the Railway enthusiasts book, and repair them themselves? Or could it be that as non contributors to the highways and byways , they want something else for nothing.
As for walkers if you don’t like mud stay on the pavements. There is some really mucky stuff out there in the wilds, it has been known for cowes to drop pats randomly all over the fields .
Its a puddle for heavens sake! I like a walk and occasional cycle in rural areas and this is to be expected. Should cyclists be expected to pay road tax, insurance and mot fees, I could understand the fuss. As this is not the case, damaging potholes on the ROADS really should take precedence. Both for vehicular users and the safety of cyclists.