ISLANDERS locked down during the coronavirus crisis have been getting on their bikes, new figures reveal.

Research has shown in some parts of the Island, those taking up cycling has dramatically increased since government lockdown measures were introduced in March.

On Saturday, May 9, the Newport to Cowes section of the Red Squirrel Trail saw its busiest day since data collection began in 2014, with 718 people recorded cycling.

Cllr Ian Ward, cabinet member for transport and infrastructure, said the lockdown had inspired a new generation of cyclists on the Island.

He said: "Cycling is a low cost mode of transport which can make a positive contribution to physical and mental health, and can be an attractive mode of transport for many short distance journeys on the Island."

The council's Key Worker Scheme, part of its Access Fund programme, has provided more than 100 loan bikes and over 500 cycle repair vouchers worth £50 for key workers since mid-April.

Cllr John Hobart, cabinet member for heritage and the environment, highlighted the positive environmental impact of more people choosing pedal power over the car.

He said: "If there is something positive to take from this terrible crisis, it could be it’s offered a taste of the air we might breathe in a low-carbon future.

"To assist with this, the Department for Transport has recently announced a new £2 billion package to create a new era for walking and cycling.

"Routes like this, if designed correctly for multi users, would take cyclists, horse riders and walkers off our roads as well as making a great way to connect parts of the Island and work well with our tourism offer."