Map publisher Heritage House, based at Bradfield, near Manningtree, has produced a cycling map of the Isle of Wight to accompany a major promotion of the island as a destination for cyclists.

“Bicycle Island”, the name of both the campaign and the map, aims to build on the island’s nomination by Lonely Planet magazine was one of the world’s Top 10 cycling destinations, and similar accolades from National Geographic Traveller and the London Evening Standard.

The Isle of Wight has more than 500 miles of cycle paths, byways and bridleways, offering a variety of coastal scenery and inland landscapes.

The full-colour map has been published in co-operation with Visit Isle of Wight and using Ordnance Survey cartography under licence. It is overlaid with 15 clearly marked colour-coded cycle routes covering all ages and abilities, from multi-day circuits of the Island to short rides out suitable perfect for children.

It also displays a range of useful information for those travelling by bike, from steep gradients and town centre access routes to bike-friendly bus service stops and electric bike charge points.

There are also details on bike shops and services offering everything from bike hire to luggage transfer as well as a useful list of cycle-friendly accommodation across the island.

The Bicycle Island promotion campaign is being co-ordinated by Tom Ransom who, coincidentally, grew up in the Ipswich area, and who previously helped to promote cycle tourism in New Zealand.

He current role was cerated by a successful bid by the Isle of Wight Council under the Local Sustainable Transport Fund (LSTF).

He said: “We now have many tourism operators and accommodation providers wanting to be involved in the campaign. Whether it’s investing in hire bike services or becoming accredited as ‘Cyclist Welcome’ accommodation, more and more businesses on the island are becoming cycle aware, and the Bicycle Island web pages provide a really valuable platform for us to promote the Island as a genuine cycling paradise.”

Heritage House publishes a range of books, guides, maps and street plans which also cover East Anglia, Dorset and the New Forest.

It is a sister company of Roger Lascelles which acts as cartographic publishers for the Daily Telegraph and specialists in the production of wall maps, as well as publishing a variety of special interest titles including an innovative SkiRail Map of the Alps, maps for the railway enthusiast and a chart of the night sky.