FOUR Island projects will receive a cash boost from the Isle of Wight Council.

Projects have been awarded up to £10,000, following the launch of the Sustainable Transport Innovation Grant Fund in July 2018, when the council put out the call for organisations to submit applications for funding to deliver their own innovative sustainable transport projects.

The winners of this year's grant are CycleWight, Routefifty7, Shanklin, Visit Isle of Wight, and IM23.

The successful applicants will introduce a range of initiatives, including a new cycle hire operation and a ‘Slow Travel’ Guide.

CycleWight will explore opportunities for using the extensive Rights of Way network on the Island, with input from landowners and user groups. The project will survey the Islands footpath network to identify which path may be able to accommodate a wider range of users.

CycleWight chair Tim Thorne said: "CycleWight is very happy to have received this award. It will give us the opportunity to identify footpaths, which could be enhanced in the future, to increase access for a wider range of people."

Routefifty7 will create a new 'pop-up' bike hire hub based at Shanklin Esplanade. Routefifty7 company director, Kevan Ansell said: "There is a fantastic opportunity to use the safe environment of the revetment from Shanklin to Sandown to encourage new cyclists.

"We believe our pop-up will also reinvigorate a neglected part of Shanklin, raise the profile of the bay area and impact revenue coming in to the area. We are absolutely thrilled that this grant has enabled us to set up this innovative pop-up which is due to launch on Monday 22 October."

Visit Isle of Wight will create seven route itineraries for Island exploration, focusing on 'Slow Travel’. The aim is to bring together information about walking, cycling, 'off the beaten track', landscape, wildlife, Island food, attractions and accommodation in one, digital home.

Brand manager at Visit Isle of Wight, Abi Fox said: "We are delighted to have won funding for a digital slow travel guide to the Isle of Wight. We look forward to producing itineraries for visitors that will encourage them to visit the Island sustainably and to take time to discover authentic Isle of Wight experiences."

IM23 will create a consumer facing online journey planner, which will include all the available options for travelling on and around the Island. The journey planner will contribute to an evidence base of travel data which will enable policy makers to better understand the type and frequency of journey being made on the Island.

Cabinet member for infrastructure and transport, Councillor Ian Ward, said: "I would like to congratulate the funding winners and look forward to seeing how these exciting projects use the grant to make their ideas a reality and at the same time, encourage residents and visitors to drive less, see more on our beautiful Island."