Friday, May 16, 2008
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COUNCIL DIVERTS CYCLE ROUTE AS `DANGEROUS`

By Lori Little - Friday, May 2, 2008
COUNCIL DIVERTS CYCLE ROUTE AS `DANGEROUS`
One of the IW Randonnee’s organisers, Nigel Tibbutt, examines the potholed road. Picture by LAURA HOLME.
THE state of part of the route of the prestigious Isle of Wight Randonnee cycle rally on Sunday is considered so dangerous part of it has had to be diverted.
Participants in what is hailed as being the biggest event of its kind in the south of England are being told by the IW Council to avoid pot-holed Bullen Road, Ryde, which forms part of the permanent 100k cycle route, and to take a longer detour.
Nigel Tibbutt, a member of the Wayfarer Cycle Touring Club, which has organised the annual event for more than two decades, was upset by the last-minute route change.
“We only heard last week part of the route had been changed because the IW Council considers the road unsafe because of the pot-holes and cracks.
“We agree it is bad but there are other roads on the route which are no better. Cyclists use Bullen Road every other day of the year and are used to looking out for bumps.”
IW Council director of environment and neighbourhoods Stuart Love admitted the surface was in poor condition and said it is due to be resurfaced at the end of the year.
He said: “It was decided because of the number of cyclists taking part in the randonnee there should be a diversion for health and safety reasons.”
The randonnee usually attracts around 1,400 cyclists.
The Wayfarers are also unhappy about the surface of cycle paths between Sandown and Newport, used on the 55k alternative randonnee route.
Mr Tibbutt said it was a sharp flint grit, which regularly punctured tyres.
“It is one of the worst surfaces that could be used. It seems to be a bit of a gaffe.
“The best material for cyclists is Tarmac. Our take on it is more one of sorrow than anger.”
Mr Love said: “Materials used to surface the cycleway conform to national specifications and surface chippings shouldn’t cause punctures.
“However, if cyclists are having difficulties, we are happy to inspect the areas concerned.”