Isle of Wight awarded £13 million for cycle track networks

The Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities has confirmed the Island will receive an additional £13.6 million through the Levelling Up Fund.

The first of the new projects to be funded will result in the development of a 'green link' corridor between Ryde and Yarmouth to encourage people to leave their cars at home and travel more by bike, bus or on foot. 

The second project will see the development of a multi-use 13-mile cycle route between Newport and Freshwater – known as the ‘West Wight Greenway’ – providing a link to the Gunville Greenway.

Island Green Link map (Image: IW Council)

The third project will see an extension of existing cycle routes in and around Newport.

Bob Seely, the Island's MP, said: "I am delighted the government has committed this money to the Island.

"I've been campaigning for the West Wight Greenway. It is a critical link in the development of our Island's cycle routes. 

"Whilst we are largely dependent on our cars in the more rural parts of the Island, making bus travel cheaper and more attractive as we’ve done with the £2 bus fare, and investing in our cycling and walking routes, will make alternative methods of transport more attractive for some people some of the time. It is a valuable investment at relatively little cost.

“I’m glad we are continuing to get a better deal for Islanders."

Plans are being prepared to enhance travel between Ryde and Yarmouth by improving cycling, walking, and bus routes.

Cllr Phil Jordan, leader of the Isle of Wight Council, said: "This is great news for our Island. Our efforts have been rewarded in a very positive way.

"This is a substantial amount of money that will make a huge difference and help us bring forward important improvements and additions to the green travel offer, helping with cycle and walking ways between Ryde and Yarmouth which will include better connection from Newport town centre to Gunville, and the long-planned West Wight Greenway."

Cllr Jordan hopes the funding can also unlock improvements to highways and public areas in Newport, including the construction of the Taylor Road link (near Argos), which will unlock the route for the Island Green Link through the town.

Mr Seely said he will be talking to the council as to whether some of the money can be used to improve the Newport to Sandown cycle track.