Cowards or converts? — mixed reaction to council scrapping cycle lanes plan

However, the Green Party has slammed the Isle of Wight Council u-turn.

Work was due to start to install six active travel schemes in Cowes and Newport at the beginning of next week but with the announcement the schemes had been stopped, for now, businesses and residents are reacting to the win.

Andrew Gibbs, owner of The Bargeman's Rest in Newport, was worried the scheme proposed for Little London — restricting all vehicle access — could potentially lead to the end of the pub.

Read more: Isle of Wight publican fears cycle lanes could shut down pub

Now, however, Mr Gibbs' has said this is very good news for his business and others in the area that could have been affected by the change.

He said: "We are not against cycle lanes - they are a good thing - but the whole scheme had not been thought through in any logical way really. It just doesn't fit.

"We obviously don't want to suffer any further downturn in business but practically it does not work."

Cllr Ian Ward, the Isle of Wight Council's cabinet member for infrastructure and transport, said transport secretary Grant Shapps had changed his mind on the projects, meaning the council will review the plans — with an outcome that some will be scrapped and others modified.

Read more: Whitehall and council backpedal on Covid cycle routes

Mr Shapps said where the money was granted for the Covid emergency, the urgency of the matter had passed and there was more time to consult residents.

Another scheme were major changes was proposed was on Beckford Road, Cowes, where residents formed an association to oppose the plans, concerned about the lack of consultation on significant alterations.

Tim Harris, a main campaigner, said it felt brilliant the plans were stopped but the residents were still 'keeping their guard up' and keeping discussions going.

He said: "We are not suspicious but it is about the consultation process really — this is what caused people to be quite so irritable about it."

Read more: Better for bikes? Cycle lanes are in but two way traffic's out

The Isle of Wight Green Party has slammed the council for what it calls 'another Conservative U-turn' after seeing an increase in cycling across the Island in lockdown with encouragement from the government to keep this going as restrictions were lifted.

Vix Lowthion, IW Green Party spokesperson, said: “By removing proposed cycle lanes before they have even been installed, the IW Council have utterly failed on their duty to support residents taking part in new active travel activities, and have taken a backwards step when it comes to road safety.

“Yet again, when it comes to green issues, this Conservative council does all the talk but they fail to do any of the walk. Streets during the lockdown were safe and spacious, healthy and pleasant places to spend time in. Now the challenge is to keep these benefits for the thousands of families, walkers and cyclists all year round.

“Like cowards, the IW Council have backtracked on the first steps towards a cleaner, greener Isle of Wight.”

The Isle of Wight Council said a review is required but they are only delaying the implementation of some of the schemes.

In a statement, the council said: "Last week the Isle of Wight Council announced pop-up bike lanes and other temporary measures designed to boost cycling and walking on the Island thanks to a £64,000 emergency active travel grant from the government.

"Although temporary in nature, the council feels that following revised Department for Transport guidance giving local authorities more time to consult with communities and consider initial feedback, that a closer review of the impact of the schemes is required.

"Until this is completed the council has decided to delay the implementation of some of the six schemes."