Islanders are being invited to leave their car at home and hop on their bikes this June, as part of the Isle of Wight Council’s ‘Life’s Better by Bike’ campaign.
The campaign aims to inspire residents to swap shorter car journeys for cycling – boosting their own health and wellbeing while helping to protect the Island’s environment.
Throughout June, the campaign will highlight how cycling can help improve physical fitness, strengthen mental well-being, and contribute to cleaner, greener communities.
While we recognise that not all routes are currently ideal for cycling – with some lanes and footpaths in need of improvement – the campaign also aims to raise awareness of the importance of maintaining and enhancing our cycling infrastructure. Feedback from local cycling groups is vital in helping us identify areas that need attention.
Simon Bryant, the Isle of Wight’s Director of Public Health, said:
“We know that regular cycling can help reduce stress, improve mental focus, and boost heart health. It’s also a great way to reconnect with nature, enjoy time with friends and family, and rediscover that sense of freedom we often lose in busy daily life. Life really is better by bike – and we’d love to see as many people as possible joining in this June.”
With the Island’s roads often busy, especially during peak times, cycling can offer a refreshing alternative for some journeys – no queues, just the freedom of 2 wheels.
The council will be promoting local cycle routes – including those best suited for beginners or families – offering inspiration for Islanders of all abilities to get started or rediscover the simple joy of riding a bike.
The Isle of Wight celebrates its highly reputed status as one of the top cycling destinations in the world. With around 200 miles of cycle tracks, byways and bridleways, there are plenty of opportunities to explore – whether you’re a seasoned cyclist or just starting out.
Residents are encouraged to share their cycling adventures on social media, tagging the council and using the hashtag #LifesBetterByBike for a chance to be featured. Even a short ride can make a big difference – to your health, your mood, and the environment we all share.
Residents can find cycling tips, local routes, and ways to get involved by visiting: Life’s better by bike
Until the island installs more cycle lanes etc
you won’t see me cycling on island Roads.
Safer on the exercise bike at the gym
Strangely, I was talking to a few groups of visitors who had come to cycle their hybrids on the island and all of them thought that the lack of paths, especially medium length circular ones and the way, many times you are spat out into heavy traffic was a disappointment to them and they wouldn’t be back. Considering this aspect of tourism is something we could rely on if it was a success, why aren’t the council backing the focus groups to ensure decent paths are a priority? In France, cycle paths are planned and built before new developments are up and running.