Regarding two letters published last week (CP online, 12-08-22) and (CP online, 14-08-22) concerning the cycling Tour of Britain.

I recently contacted Island Roads by email concerning the very poor state of parts of Bembridge High Street, which is also on the Round The Island Cycle Route.

There are ruts and potholes of varying sizes at various locations along the length of this road which the pro cyclists will use.

These defects have been here for some time and patched up occasionally.

We locals put up with it but there is a danger of an incident to a fast-moving peloton of pro cyclists.

On August 8, Island Roads inspected the entire length of Bembridge High Street and concluded there were 'No reactive safety defects present for us to action'.

Let's hope it's alright on the day because I see and hear, almost on a daily basis cyclists, on a bad patch near my address shouting warnings and avoiding these defects.

Councillor Phil Jordan encouraged Isle of Wight residents to get behind the Tour of Britain and as a cycling enthusiast I agree with him, it is an achievement to get the finale of this race here and no doubt potentially good for promoting the Island for cycling.

I refer to his comment about removing private vehicles from the route.

If this is actually the case, then there should be significant advance warning to vehicle owners, many of whom will already have WightFibre roadworks fatigue and fed up from moving their legally parked vehicles and negotiating numerous traffic signals and diversions.

With reference again to Bembridge High Street, there are always many parked vehicles along this stretch of the route.

Many are tourists cars, others from holiday homes/second homes as well as local residents.

There are very few places for them to be moved to, even for a relatively short time.

There is a section that is also narrow with a pinch point, so if parked cars remain in this area, together with the road defects outlined, it could be a problem for the race.

Hopefully those with influence and in charge will consider and resolve these issues early and it will be a good day for the Isle of Wight.

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