YCC manifesto nominated for award

We’re delighted that York Cycle Campaign was shortlisted for Cycling UK’s Going the Extra Mile Volunteer Awards 2023 in the category Most Inspiring Campaign Activity. The campaign that gained us the listing was our manifesto 42 Ways to Transform York. Although we didn’t win, we’re proud that our efforts to improve cycling in York have been recognised, and would like to thank the anonymous person who put us forward.

Another chance to hear about the 42 ways

As part of York’s Festival of ideas, the 42 ways document will be presented followed by a  panel discussion involving Robyn Jankel, Andy Shrimpton and Tony  May (Chair of York Civic Trust Transport Group). This is a repeat of the launch event so is suitable for those that didn’t attend first time round, or want a refresher.The free but bookable event is on Wednesday 7th June at 7pm, at Priory Street Centre. 

Imagining how we get around in the future

The YCC is co-hosting another event in the Festival of ideas.  A workshop on Imagining Just Transition Futures, with speakers including YCC’s Andy Shrimpton, takes place on Saturday  10th June (3.30pm to 4.30pm, Ron Cooke Hub, University of York).

Active travel funding received

York has received £1,103,095 from the government’s Active Travel Fund for work on Jubilee Terrace to Scarborough Bridge. This is part of the latest set of funding that has been allocated to local authorities around the country from the fund which started during the pandemic.

Allocated funding must be used against the declared project and will be inspected by Active Travel England (ATE) to make sure the project is satisfactory. ATE will work with the council to improve any areas that aren’t satisfactory, but will also review the council’s capability level which affects the council’s ability to bid for further funding rounds.

… Protest against active travel cuts: last chance!

If you haven’t already, please sign the open letter from Sustrans to Transport Secretary Mark Harper. The letter urges him to abandon the two-thirds cut to promised capital investment in infrastructure for walking, wheeling and cycling (the Active Travel Fund). 

Long lorry, longer lorry

How long is too long? Lorries are already hugely more likely than cars to be involved in cyclist and pedestrian fatalities, and new legislation has just compounded the risk. From the beginning of June, there has been an increase of over 12% in the maximum allowable length of lorries on our roads – up to 18.55m. The preceding 11-year trial has been criticised for focusing on motorways and other main roads rather than rural routes and town centres, and the government has been encouraged to concentrate more on transporting goods by rail. 

Cycle lanes: feel the length, not the width

Last month we reported that member Pam had submitted an FOI (Freedom of Information) request to the Council asking what percentage of existing cycle lane met the 1.5m absolute minimum and 2m desirable minimum width cited in LTN 1/20. The Council replied that they don’t hold such data. After further communication, they clarified: “… the council is only required by the DfT to collect data on the length of cycle lanes and not their width as in many cases the width may not be constant along their length due to localised conditions. Whether we measure cycle lane widths in future is yet to be decided but guidance from Active Travel England and the DfT all states that 1.5m should be the minimum width of all cycle lanes so that is what we aim to achieve for all current/future schemes”. 

Cycling to the coast by moonlight

Who fancies a Through the Night Ride from York to Bridlington? Member Rob Ainsley has blogged about doing this last year. He suggests going between Sunday 2 and Thursday 6 July, when the moon is at its fullest and the dark nights are at their shortest (but unfortunately he will be away!).

His recommended route is via Buttercrambe, Langton, North Grimston, Duggleby, Sledmere, then all the way along the B1253, past spooky Rudston Monolith. It’s about 50 miles, and a 9.30pm start from York should get most people into Bridlington well in time to see the sun rise behind Flamborough Head lighthouse. The roads are very quiet at night!

You can then have breakfast at the friendly harbour cafes that open early for fishing workers, and get the train back to York (check for industrial action nearer the time). Alternatively the East Yorkshire Buses 46 and X46 running from Bridlington to York allow bikes to be taken on board.

If anyone would like to organise this as a group ride let us know. We can publicise details and provide guidelines (we have ride insurance). 

Help needed!

We need more volunteers! If you’re an armchair activist with ambition to go further, please look out for a forthcoming email. It may be your chance to get more involved.

Recruitment stall success

The recent recruitment drive on Parliament Street went very well, with a lot of interest shown by passers-by (especially those wheeling their bikes or locking them to nearby bike stands). It was also a good opportunity for volunteer members of the YCC to meet each other. And the sun shone!

Forthcoming rides for your diary

Member’s ride and social

5th July: Meet at 7pm Millennium Bridge for a ride out to a local village to the south of York, before returning back to the Winning Post. If you’d prefer to skip the ride and get straight to socialising, come to the Winning Post for 9pm. 

If you’re interested in offering a social ride, just get in touch.

Kidical Mass

Sunday 24th September

Our annual child-friendly ride. Please let us know if you can help us by being a marshal at this event. 

Members’ Have your Say!

Wednesday 28th June, 7pm (NOTE: revised start time)
Cycle Heaven, Hospital Fields Road

Are you passionate about 20’s Plenty or maybe you have strong views on cycle helmets? Come and tell us which key areas you think YCC should focus on over the next year. Don’t miss this opportunity to get your views across. More details to follow

The YCC calendar is now active – please bookmark or subscribe if you use Google calendar yourself.