May 2022 Newsletter

In the same way that we can now spot clear signs that spring is underway, maybe we can see some hope for York’s cycling future. Read Bill Grimsey’s ideas for more people-friendly city centres and how this can be applied to York, get involved with our #LovedByCyclists campaign, hear how revised plans for student accommodation have picked up on some of our suggestions, and have your say on our draft charter for cycling in York which we can use as a blueprint for what we want the future to bring.

Re-imagining York’s high streets

The Campaign were delighted to support an event featuring Bill Grimsey, former MD of Wickes and Iceland, addressing an audience including York business leaders and politicians. Beforehand, Kate took him for a cycle tour featuring the highlights and lowlights of the city’s infrastructure. In his talk, Bill stressed the need for city centres to become more carbon neutral and people-friendly, and less dominated by the car.  

Plans for James Street student accommodation

Following our comments on the previous planning application for this development (on the site of Alton cars) we’re pleased to see that the applicants have listened and addressed some of the concerns we raised. The revised plans include offering up a strip of land along James Street to enable a 3.5m wide shared path for pedestrians and cyclists, plus modifications to kerb radii to slow vehicle traffic down, and new segregated raised priority crossings at the junctions. Whilst not perfect the new planning application is a significant improvement. Permission was granted with these changes on the 5th of May.

York charter for cycling: have your say

A reminder that we’ve drawn up a draft charter for cycling in York – what we think cycling can do for the city and what the city can do for us cyclists. We’re keen to hear your views on the draft: please respond on this Google form.  

Cycle Campaign’s social ride: join in the fun

Eight valiant cyclists joined our rather chilly April social ride to Bishopthorpe, with another joining in the warmth of the pub. Thanks to Ken for organising/leading the ride.

The temperature will hopefully be higher for our May ride tomorrow

A loop out to Dunnington (approx 5 miles each way). Meet outside Cycle Heaven (Hospital Fields Road) at 6:30pm and cycle the loop, or join us at the Deramore Arms Pub in Heslington from around 7:30pm. Bright bike lights for the return journey! Your chance to meet other members, find out what’s happening in the cycle campaign just now, and share your ideas and frustrations.

Get involved: Kidical Mass, Millennium Bridge and #LovedByCyclists

Which businesses in and around York deserve recognition for their cyclist-friendly demeanour? We’re creating a #LovedByCyclists awards scheme and activity to celebrate those businesses. We’re looking for an enthusiastic team to help set up and take this forward. Maybe you’d like to help design a logo, or set up a webpage, or help determine what criteria should be included and assess businesses? If you’d like to get involved please drop Nathan a line yorkcycle.campaigns@gmail.com

We’re holding a recruitment stall near the Millennium Bridge on Saturday 21^st May and we’re looking for volunteers to come and help. Please get in touch with Andy if you might be able to spare a hour or two yorkcycle.recruitment@gmail.com

Building on the success of last year’s Kidical Mass event we’d like to hold another this year on Sunday 26^th June. If you can spare a little time to help us organise this event, or to help steward on the day, then please do get in touch by emailing yorkcyclecampaign@gmail.com 

Robyn sets forth

After a start delayed by appalling weather, Robyn has left the source of the Danube at Donaueschingen and at the time of writing is in Lower Bavaria. Highlights so far include cycling through snow, hot drinks served with (reuasable) straws and extending her German vocabulary to 15 words and counting. Read a blog about Robyn’s travels based on her social media posts, or enjoy the unexpurgated versions on Twitter (@RobynJankel) and Instagram (@robynjankel and @ThatFloweryBike)

Tardiness on Terry Avenue re-opening

Unfortunately, the crossed digits we suggested employing in our last newsletter were to no avail. The Environment Agency says that the specialist kit needed to test the new Clementhorpe flood gate is delayed on its journey from Germany and Terry Avenue’s re-opening is now likely to be June. 

Navigation Road – provide your feedback on the LTN

The council are seeking feedback on the Navigation Road LTN. Please let them know what your experience has been, and if you’d like the one-way system and segregated cycle lanes to stay. https://www.york.gov.uk/NavigationRoad

 

High Streets Fit For The Rest Of 21st Century

Veteran retailer and high street campaigner Bill Grimsey was invited to York last month by York Cycle Campaign, York High Street Forum, and Johnny Hayes to share his knowledge of how we can make sure our own high streets are fit for the 21st century. Read a summary of the event, and get a link to watch the talk in full online on our website. 

And in other news…

In April we’ve:

• Spoken at the Climate Change Policy and Scrutiny Committee meeting asking for climate change and transport strategies that support each other, with clear objectives and carefully considered metrics to assess whether objectives are being met. 
• Peter Huxford kindly represented the cycle campaign’s perspective at the public inquiry into the proposed McCarthy Stone retirement home on the site of the Terry’s car park on Bishopthorpe Road.  

Fancy cycling for charity?

BTC, Yorkshire’s brain tumour charity, has announced its Big Bike Challenge this year is cycling on Route 66 – Oakenshaw to Huddersfield. There are four different routes you can choose from, ranging from 10 to 30 miles. Pay £10 to enter and raise as much sponsorship as you can. The ride is set for Sunday 22^nd May and you can find out more on BTC’s website.