The Isle of Wight Council has pushed back against suggestions that it should ban cyclists from a popular coastal path, despite concerns over the number of crashes.
The Island Echo reported that a working party set up between Shanklin, Sandown and Lake Town councils had expressed concerns about the number of accidents involving cyclists on the Revetment sea wall between Shanklin and Sandown and were exploring options, including banning all cyclists.
However, highway authority the Isle of Wight Council said it had become aware of recent news coverage regarding the potential banning of cyclists but ‘does not support banning cyclists from using the Revetment and will not be implementing a cycling ban’.
It said a working group has been established with the parish councils of Lake, Sandown and Shanklin ‘to look at a range of improvements that could be made to the Revetment to allow for it to be enjoyed safely by all users, including cyclists’.
The council said discussions are being held with the working group on the best way to reconcile ‘any pedestrian and cyclist concerns’.
It pointed out that Revetment is primarily a coastal defence that has the community benefit of a promenade to provide access to the beaches and commercial activities and provides an alternative walking, cycle and running route linking the Bay communities.
It said: ‘We would advise all users to be aware of each other and show consideration when traveling along the promenade and to remain aware that rock falls can occur at any time.’
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