COUNCIL DISPUTE WITH ISLAND ROADS DELAYING KEY CYCLEWIGHT PROJECTS

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.

“We need transparency about this dispute, clarity on what’s causing the hold-ups, and an urgent commitment to get projects moving again.”