The £180,000 project, due to be finished by Christmas 2011, will complete the Cross Newport Cycle route, joining Blackhouse Quay and Shide. The route is part of the larger route between Cowes and Sandown on the island, which is in turn part of the National Cycle Network route 23 that links the island with Reading in Berkshire.

The project is being funded jointly by sustainable transport charity Sustrans in conjunction with developers. The work includes resurfacing shared use pedestrian and cycleways, a segregated cycleway on Coppins Bridge and improvements to traffic signals.

The local council are delighted that the route will vastly improve cycle access to local schools, major employers and links with other forms of transport.

Speaking to the Isle of Wight County Press, Tim Thorne, chairman of local advocacy group Cyclewight, said: "The Island rightly markets itself as a cycle-friendly destination and this route clearly demonstrates the council is serious about promoting cycle travel for residents as well as visitors."

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