The Isle of Wight Council, in partnership with Community Action Isle of Wight and Red Funnel have officially launched the Newport and Cowes Cycle Hubs.
The Newport Cycle Hub is based next to the Riverside Centre, Newport and the Cowes Cycle Hub is next to Red Funnel’s Red Jet terminal in Cowes.
The installation of the Cycle Hubs is 1 of 11 projects that have been delivered through the Isle of Wight Council’s Sustainable Travel Transition Year (STTY) programme, with funding that was secured competitively from the Department for Transport. The Cycle Hubs will help to increase commuter use of the Cowes to Newport cycle track. The Cowes Cycle Hub was installed by Red Funnel, whilst the Newport Cycle Hub was installed by Community Action Isle of Wight.
The Cowes and Newport Cycle Hubs are both fully enclosed and each includes a universal repair stand and a range of tools. The Cowes Hub incorporates dual-level storage for 72 bikes, whilst the Newport Hub has capacity for 16 bikes via ground-level Sheffield stands. Both sites benefit from 24 hour CCTV and lighting.
The Newport Hub has rack space and includes lockers as well as access to shower facilities in the Riverside Centre.
Isle of Wight Council Cabinet member for infrastructure and transport, Councillor Ian Ward, said:
“The Cycle Hubs are intended to make it easier for people to cycle to work, allowing their bikes to be stored safely and securely. We are delighted with the facilities that have been developed by our partners and hope they contribute to our aim of making cycling and walking the natural choice for shorter journeys.”
Development officer for Community Action Isle of Wight, Philippa Daley, said:
“There are so many good reasons to cycle to work – it reduces congestion on our roads, means that you don’t get stuck in traffic and it’s good for the mind and the body. I am really pleased that Community Action Isle of Wight is hosting the Newport Cycle Hub and hope that even more people will cycle to work now that they have somewhere to park their bikes securely.”
CYCLEWight, the advocacy group that seeks better cycle provision on the Island, have welcomed the Cycle Hub initiative. The group participates in ways to encourage more people of all ages to learn of the joys and benefits of cycling and to improve cycling facilities on the Isle of Wight.
Tim Thorne, a member of the CycleWight committee, said:
“CycleWight have been campaigning for these facilities for a long time so they are good to see. They will help people travel in a more sustainable way, which is important for the Island.”
The 5.1km Cowes to Newport cycle track links both Cycle Hubs and is part of the National Cycle network (route 23) linking Cowes with Sandown via Newport. The route follows the western bank of the River Medina along the former Cowes-Newport railway line.
For further information on the Newport Cycle Hub, contact Philippa Daley at [email protected] or call 01983 539374.
