Cycle Lanes To 'Pop-Up' On Isle Of Wight As Part Of Council Health Kick

A number of pop-up bike lanes are to be installed on the Isle of Wight, as part of government plans to improve health.

The Isle of Wight Council says six temporary measures will be introduced and funded by a £64,000 emergency active travel grant.

It is hoped plans will make it easier for people to use bikes to get around, take pressure off public transport and encourage Islanders to look after their health during the current pandemic.

So what's happening?

Some of the schemes involve only minor alterations to the highway, such as the removal of bollards and barriers to open up more space for pedestrians and cyclists, or the addition of cycle racks at convenient locations.

Others, however, will see streets made temporarily one way to vehicles with designated cycle contraflows installed to allow cyclists to travel safely:

1.Bridge over Dodnor Creek (Cement Mills viaduct), Newport

The bridge will be made cycle-friendly by removing the two bollards at either end. Ice warning lights will also be installed to warn cyclists where the bridge surface may be frozen.

 2. Beckford Road, Cowes — cycle contraflow (map attached)

Beckford Road will be made one way for vehicles between Gordon Road and Westhill Road, with a cycle contraflow installed. Parking will be relocated from one side of the road to the other.

3. Kitbridge Road, Newport — staggered barriers

Removal of railings to improve cycle accessibly between Kitbridge Road and Hazel Close.

4. Little London, Newport – prohibition of motor vehicles (map attached)

No longer a through road to improve safety for walking and cycling - vehicular access to homes and businesses only. Parking under the bridge will be removed to widen the road. Double yellow lines between the Bargemans and Quay Arts.

5. Holyrood Street, Newport — one way and cycle contraflow (map attached)

Holyrood Street to be made one way between Lugley Street and High Street and a cycle contraflow introduced. Parallel parking introduced to allow more room for safer cycling.

6. Quay Street Newport — cycle rack

A cycle rack will be installed to enable people to park their bikes safely.

'Plans are temporary'

The council says plans are temporary and therefore not subject to the usual levels of public consultation.

Although it says each measure will remain under close review and adapted where necessary, taking into account residents' views and any unforeseen issues.

The initial phase is focused on Newport and Cowes, but the council says it has already applied for additional funds to roll out similar improvements in other parts of the Island.

With social distancing reducing the capacity of public transport, Councillor Ian Ward, Cabinet member for transport and infrastructure, said alternative options like cycling and walking were being encouraged for making journeys. 

He said:

"We're really pleased to have received this funding from the government's Emergency Active Travel Fund to help us install temporary measures to help support social distancing and safe travel.

"During this crisis many Islanders have discovered cycling — whether for exercise or as a means of safe, socially-distanced transport.

"We need these people to stay on their bikes and be joined by many more. Cycling is much better for your health, the planet and for your wallet than taking the car.

"These new pop-up lanes and active travel improvements should make it much easier for people to get about and hopefully help encourage more people to ditch the car.

"We know cars will continue to remain vital for many, but as we look to the future we must build an Island with greener travel habits and healthier communities."

Island Roads is due to start work next week with the measures expected to remain in place for around 18 months.