Quiet country lanes and scenic off - road cycling routes make the Isle of Wight an ideal destination for a UK cycling holiday or short break.
There are cycling routes to suit everyone, with a choice of challenging off-road bridleways, peaceful byways and level purpose-made tracks on former railway lines.
Within an area of just 147 square miles you will find over 200 miles of cycle routes enticing you into the countryside or along the coast.
Cycling to and around the IOW
Bringing your bike to the Island is really easy. You can hop on the train and head down to Portsmouth, Southampton or Lymington and your bike goes for free on all routes. You just pay the passenger fare. The bike will be safe on board while you cross the Solent ready for your Bicycle Island Adventure.
Most routes to the island start on a cycle route so it is easy to navigate your way round. You can also take you bike on the Island Line train network which runs from Ryde Pier Head to Shanklin.
Between Cowes and East Cowes across the River Medina a floating bridge operates and this is also bike friendly.
Majority of the cycle routes are off road making cycling a safe option for all the family.
Cycling Services
The Isle of Wight has a number of specialist cycling and bicycle services to assist you during your trip. Whether it's simple bike hire, or a full package holiday for bike tours with guides, you will find the people here, who can help you make you bike holiday experience roll smoothly. Find out where you can repair your bike, who can move your bags ahead, and what backup services are out there for you to “Drive Less, See More” below.
Bike Hire & Guided Tours
Cycles can be hired from a number of different outlets throughout the Island and there are companies that are able to offer a delivery service, guided on - or off road guided rides.
When it comes to bike rentals and cycle tours the Isle of Wight offers a service second to none. Run by passionate staff who live and breathe cycling, you can be safe in the knowledge you're riding high quality bikes that are regularly serviced and maintained to an excellent standard.
If you'd like to be guided around the Island by an expert, book on to a cycle tour where you can be led along a route tailored to your skill level. Test your fitness on a challenging hill-based route, or relax and ride along flat cycle paths.
See the cycling businesses below for more information and to book your cycling services:
The easiest way for you to book a cycling holiday to the Isle of Wight is to let someone else sort it all out for you! The following companies can plan itineraries, offer guides, provide baggage handling and arrange for accommodation for you if required:
There is a wide ranging selection of cycling friendly accommodation on the island. With a variety of options available to you including secure storage & bike parking, flexible meal times to fit around your plans, maintenance services. Check when you book what is available.
Bike Repair / Sales
Need to get your bike repaired whilst your on holiday, or fancy buying yourself some new wheels to try out on one of the Bicycle Island routes? Below are some links for stores and repair shops on the Island that you can call into:
Fancy a cycling trip but feeling put off at the thought of carrying heavy baggage? If you need help getting your bags from A to B whilst you enjoy a day out riding, there is help at hand with businesses offering baggage transfers for cyclists. They will collect your bags and move them to your desired location so they are there waiting for your arrival!
Arrange for the helpful staff to collect your bags as you arrive with your bike on the ferry so you can begin your Isle of Wight cycling adventure without the extra weight.
We have two brand new cycling hubs in Cowes and Newport. The Cowes Hub is located at the Red Funnel Red Jet Terminal and is fully enclosed, incorporating dual-level storage for 72 bikes. For security, it has sensor controlled lighting and 24 hour CCTV and a universal repair stand, along with a range of tools for repairing punctures.
The Newport hub is located at the Riverside Centre on Medina Quay. This accommodates 16 bikes, which can be left in secure storage. Shower facilities are also available.
There are over 700 cycle racks of varying types around the Island that can be used for free. So when you need to stop for a rest or to see a view you can park your bike up.
Electric bikes and charging points
With its hilly terrain the Isle of Wight can be challenging for some riders but with an electric bike you will be able to go where others have gone before. They make cycling
the Island easy for all abilities. The distance you can take on a e bike depends on how hilly the ride is and how much effort you put into pedalling. A good idea is a full charge should last around 65 miles.
Electric bikes can be hired from the following locations:
With over 200 miles of dedicated cycle paths the isle of Wight has an amazing selection of routes and inspiration for all abilities. Whether you are looking for an extreme ride to push yourself or a more gentle ride including refreshments stops offs there is a route for you. Click here to start exploring Bicycle Island.
Maps
There are a range of maps available to help explore the Island by bike, which are available to order through our website.
Experience electric bikes on the Isle of Wight with us! We're based at the Guildhall Visitor Information Centre at the heart of Newport and would be delighted to hire our Red Squirrel electric bikes to you.
We offer Mountain Bikes and Stand Up Paddle boards for rental. Our shop is also a “Preferred Retailer” for Red Paddle products & we stock Mystic technical clothing and accessories.
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