By County Press reporter

Wednesday, April 2, 2014

At the launch of Southern Vectis's bike friendly bus are, from left, Tanja Rebel, Steve Goodman, Val Lawson, Alan Rowe, Al Sheath and Alec Lawson. Picture by PETER BOAM

CYCLE routes have been opened up to more people through specially adapted buses that allow people to put their bicycles on board and travel to picturesque areas.

The Isle of Wight Council has worked with Southern Vectis to allow the four Coaster buses to store up to six bicycles.

The money has come from the council's sustainable transport access to tourism project, which is funded by the government's Local Sustainable Transport Fund.

Four journeys will leave per day from either Ryde or Yarmouth, with some being extended to East Cowes and Newport.

General manager of Southern Vectis, Matt Kitchin, said: "The Coaster route has proven to be tremendously popular as it is a great way to see the Island and visit attractions without the hassle of driving. The additional space for bikes on board gives more opportunities for cyclists to get out and about, enjoying the scenery without relying on a car."

The launch coincides with Visit Isle of Wight's Bicycle Island scheme, which aims to bring more cycle tourists to the Island.

The service will begin on Saturday and will run daily until September 28.

The mechanism used for storing the bicycles was designed by two local engineering students.