Groups visiting the Isle of Wight this year can choose to explore the island by bicycle following the introduction of new Red Squirrel electric bikes, which are now available for visitors to hire.
The Isle of Wight boasts over 500 miles of cycle and bridleways weaving their way through the island’s landscapes.
Group travel organisers with active members in their group can look to the launch of the new bicycles as a fun method of exploring the island.
The bikes are fitted with small battery-powered motors, which give a power boost to riders, and allow more ground to be covered than a conventional bicycle.
The electric bikes offer a range of up to 60 miles on a single charge, and the front wheel motor provides three levels of assistance on speeds up to 15.5 miles per hour, as well as a ‘walk assist’ mode which is useful for pushing the bike up steeper inclines.
The new colony of Red Squirrel bicycles is based at the Guildhall Visitor Information Centre in Newport.
Group travel organisers can speak to the team of travel ambassadors for advice on places to go and things to see.
Each group member hiring a bike will receive a Bicycle Island Isle of Wight Cycle Map, featuring 12 routes from a gentle five mile route to Sandown to a 16 mile run out to Cowes.
Highlight bike routes
A great trail for beginners is the Red Squirrel Trail, on a flat terrain.
It is 24 miles long, and cyclists are encouraged to keep their eyes peeled for the Isle of Wight's elusive red squirrel residents as the travel along.
The Taste the Island route is one of the trails available to keener cyclists – the full length of it is 66 miles, although riders can stop off where they like.
This is also a route for those wanting to explore the island’s restaurants and cafes, of which there are plenty along the way.
For further information visit www.nutsnotto.co.uk.
