April 2021 Newsletter

We’re now fully into spring, so time for us all to shake off the cobwebs and get out in that April sunshine (or even showers). We have some ideas for leisure cycling to share, and updates on diversions that you might need to be aware of. Read our responses to recent planning consultations. And member Jamie shares the potential and pitfalls of his attempts to get the Hob Moor barriers changed.

Bootham junction consultation: our response

We made it clear in our consultation response [link] that in our opinion neither of the proffered options for Bootham Bar went far enough to protect cyclists. We asked the council to rethink the design and use the junction assessment tools in the latest Government guidance (LTN1/20) to bring this junction up to the standards needed to enable all cyclists to be comfortable using this junction. 

A59 consultation: our response

Our conclusion was that the A59 is far too dangerous for cycling in its current form. In an ideal world we’d like to see cycle infrastructure all the way between York and Knaresborough, but we’ve also identified a few locations that are worth prioritising because they create links between villages and have the potential to enable children to cycle to school and commuters to cycle to work. You can see our detailed response here [link].

Safe cycling to Dunnington: getting there?

We have been working with Dunnington Parish Council and Cllr Mark Warters to improve safety for cyclists and pedestrians on the approach to Dunnington along York Road. With huge thanks to Tony May (Chair of the Civic Trust Transport Group) and members Tim Pheby and Paul Osbourne, all of whom helped to design the scheme, the parish council have now put in a request to City of York Council for a new road layout that provides safe space for cyclists and a verge side path for pedestrians. The Parish Council have offered to part-fund the scheme, and it is likely that ward funding could be used to fund the remainder. We’ll keep everyone posted on any progress.

Challenging barriers

Our member Jamie, who uses his cycle as his primary mobility aid as well as a way of exercising, has been repeatedly frustrated in his attempts to cycle around York. The inaccessible barriers onto Hob Moor proved a particular issue, and in December he told us about the Freedom of Information request he’d put into the Council. Now he updates his story, and gives advice on how you can follow his impressive example. 

Your vision for York Central

Do you have a vision of how you want York Central to be – a cycling utopia perhaps? Anyone wanting to influence the development might like to join these YoCo events. York Central Co-owned (YoCo) started life as My York Central: a 2019 festival of public engagement and events looking at ways to develop the York Central site as an urban extension to York City Centre.

Looking for a cycling buddy?

Gerri has recently moved to York from Leeds, and is looking for cycling companions. Her ideal ride is 30-40 miles at 10-12 miles per hour with a café stop en route. If you’d like to join her – and know some good cafés! – please contact  us at YorkCycleCampaign@gmail.com and we’ll put you in touch.

And a reminder that York Bike Belles have a free programme of cycling and walking activities for York residents of all ages and abilities – a great way of meeting cycling folk.

Leisure trails to try 

Rob Ainsley has kindly allowed us to share his ‘Riding York’s Monopoly board’ cycle ride. Enjoy the trail and Rob’s acerbic commentary.

If you’re up for something more physically challenging, you could try all or part of the Cathedrals Cycle Route which links the 42 C of E cathedrals in England. It includes a 35-mile stretch from Ripon cathedral to York Minster and another the same length from the minster to Bradford cathedral.

Update: Clementhorpe flood scheme 

Due to complications in setting up the works compound, the 12-month Terry Avenue closure is not now expected until at least 26^th April. 

Update: Wellington Row closure

As reported in the March newsletter, the Environment Agency need to close the riverside path (NCN 65) passing underneath Lendal Bridge and going past the City boat club (Wellington Row) for four months in order to install new flood gates. We’ve been in conversation with the EA and the council over their proposed diversion and have also collaborated with Sustrans and the TransPennine Trail to find safe ways of diverting cyclists around this busy part of York.

Currently it looks like cyclists travelling southbound will follow a route along the edge of Memorial Gardens and will then be given push-button lights to get them across the gyratory, before turning left down Tanners Moat. Northbound cyclists will be directed up Tanner Row, across Rougier St (with dedicated lights), along past the council offices and then push-button lights to get them onto the gyratory, to go over onto Leeman Road and then turn right to access the river again through Esplanade car park. The attached map [link – Jan 21] shows the route.

We’ve also asked for a linked and signed route to join the Terry Avenue and Wellington Row diversions together, for anyone cycling along the NCN 65. This would avoid people being sent down to the river after one diversion, only to discover they then have to start another diversion….

Membership perks

Did you know that YCC members are entitled to affiliate membership of Cycling UK? This costs £28.00 a year saving £20 on a normal individual membership. As well as helping Cycling UK campaign for better cycling across the county, membership entitles you to third-party insurance although please note it excludes the legal assistance, magazine, and voting rights of the normal individual membership.

To take up the offer visit the affiliate member sign-up page and enter the affiliate number from your welcome email when you signed up to the Campaign. If you can’t find you welcome email, or it’s an older email without the number, get in touch at YorkCycleCampaign.Membership@gmail.com

And finally … Fire engine of the future?

The fire brigade in Breukelen, Netherlands intends to jump onto electric bicycles next year (in Dutch) to fight fires or help in accidents. The switch from traditional fire engines is because the sole bridge across the river is being replaced and for four months only a pedestrian and cycle crossing will be available. But who knows, maybe the fire officers will discover it’s a good way to carry out some of their work in the longer term?