Last week (Friday 7 August) Chief Minister Howard Quayle MHK was joined by Infrastructure Minister Tim Baker MHK and officers from the Department of Infrastructure to visit some of the active travel sites to see the improvements that have been made.
Starting at the Quarterbridge and the site of the new pedestrian crossing the team travelled by e-bike along the Heritage Trail to Crosby. After stopping to see the bike nests in Crosby and to admire the first of a number of wood carvings by sculptor Tony Elder they continued to travel onto Glen Wyllin to visit the sites for the new bridges that will reconnect the former steam railway line.
Chief Minister Howard Quayle MHK said:
‘A great deal of work has been undertaken along the Heritage Trail. Taking the time to cycle between some of these points really did give me the opportunity to appreciate the scenery and the work that has been completed to date. I was particularly impressed with how much safer it is to cross at the Quarterbridge with the addition of the pedestrian crossing.
‘The work along the old steam railway line and the investment already made between Peel and Douglas will mean an active travel friendly route that stretches coast to coast as well as north to Kirk Michael, and in the future into Ramsey. This is sure to be a great asset to the Isle of Man both in terms of promoting active lifestyles and for attracting people to our Island.
‘Drawing many to the trail will be the beautiful wood carvings, based on Manx fairy tales that will line the route. I was pleased to be able to visit the carving of the Buggane that is already in position near St Trinian’s Church where it is famously said the Buggane of St Trinian’s ripped the roof off the church.’
He added:
‘Creating dedicated cycle paths and walkways will increase the opportunities for active travel by providing a safe and segregated environment. It will bring improvements to personal health and wellbeing and reduce our carbon emissions.’
