CycleWight, the campaign group for cyclists, has invited Roger Geffen, the Campaigns and Policy Manager of the CTC  to give the keynote speech at their forthcoming AGM on the Isle of Wight.

Mr Geffen is to spend two days on the Island looking at a variety of cycle routes and other provision. It is planned for him to speak to people about the work being done and to  look at new schemes. David Pugh, the Leader of the Council, is to meet Mr Geffen as well as Edward Giles the cabinet member for Environment and Transport and Arthur Taylor Chair of the Council.

He will address the CycleWight AGM on Fri 20th Nov at Newport C of E Primary School, at Hazel Close, commencing at 19.30.  Anyone who is interested in the environment or alternatives to using a car are most welcome.

Tim Thorne, Chair of CycleWight said,

‘Mr Geffen is a nationally recognised figure. He will have a country wide perspective and hopefully give us some pointers on how we are doing and what needs to be done next. The CTC, with over 60,000 members is working hard at improving provision for cyclist as well as defend them against some of the bigger interest groups. “

He went onto say,

“The CTC recently contacted their local representative  to say the Island was chosen by Lonely Planet Guides to be one of the best places in the world to cycle. This means that we must make sure that when people arrive they are not disappointed.”

While on the Island Mr Geffen will also be addressing the Cycle Forum. This body meets every four months to bring together all those who have an interest in cycling to discuss current issues as well comment on future enhancement of provision. The forum organised by the Council but the responsibility for this has been passed over to the members; it is initially to be coordinated by CycleWight and the CTC Right to Ride Representative. This will be its first meeting in the new format.

Nationally the number of people cycling has increased and the numbers being injured is decreasing. This is an important message to get over to all people.  Provision on the Island has continued to see improvements this year with work being currently done on the Cowes to Newport cycle track.