Lively Big Conversation meeting: Local Transport Plan

The consultation on the draft Local Transport Plan has now closed. Over 30 people attended YCC’s Big Conversation event at the end of January, despite the wild and windy weather. The Campaign submitted a response and we know that many of you did too. We look forward to seeing to the  results which will feed into the new Local Transport Plan due by summer 2024.

Easy action: City centre access petition

If you do nothing else as a result of reading this newsletter, please take this simple action of signing the petition to make a Blake Street – Parliament Street cycle lane, first proposed by the Campaign in 2021, part of the new transport plan. It would make the city centre more accessible to cyclists as well as carrying other benefits.

Tadcaster Road trauma

The long drawn-out works on Tadcaster Road, which promised in the dim and distant past to improve the situation for active travel, appear to be doing no such thing. As well as failing to address the dog’s breakfast for cyclists down near Tesco (Askham Bar), elsewhere a new crossing has been introduced at the expense of the cycle lane.

Walk and wheel challenge for schools

Sustrans Big Walk and Wheel 2024 runs from 11-22 March. This school challenge encourages pupils to walk, wheel, scoot or cycle to school. See if you can get your local school interested!

YoCo open meeting

YoCo (a group that champions community-focused ways to develop the York Central site) is holding an open, informal meeting on 24th February, 10-12noon, at St Barnabas Church, YO26 4YZ. They’ll be discussing recent progress and YoCo’s next steps. Drop in or book if you’d prefer. They promise a friendly welcome with tea, coffee – and cake.

Publicise that pothole

This excellent tool has been relaunched by Cycling UK. Use their website to report a problem (not just potholes, but any cycling hazard) and it will be passed on to the local council. It’s very simple to use. Take photos if you can (close-up and wider shot) because they say illustrated reports tend to get quicker action. I’ve just used it to report the dire state of Holgate Road cycling from the city towards the iron bridge – I’ll let you know if there’s any action. And a special plea for fellow sufferers to also report it!

DecarboN8

The DecarboN8 network brings together researchers, industry and government to design transport decarbonisation solutions which can be deployed rapidly and at scale. Their (rather scarily busy) website has sections on active travel, designing the 15-minute city etc, with reports and presentations about the research they have done. 

Get off your bike and walk York

As well as cycling, most of us have the opportunity to walk around York. But pedestrians, like cyclists, tend to be an under-represented community when compared to the motorist. Join Walk York if you want to learn more about proposed schemes that would affect pedestrians, and be enabled to have your say. 

Ebike inferno

As ebikes rise in popularity, so does the pressure for them to be available cheaply. This has led to problems with incompatible or counterfeit batteries which can burst into flames during charging. Improved infrastructure and standards can help reduce the risks.

Dates for your diary: 

• Recruitment stall at station – 26 February 4:30pm, come to help spread the word about York Cycle Campaign, or pop along for (free) police security marking of your bike
• Ward reps meeting being arranged for March. Contact Andy D’Agorne if you’re interested in being a rep 
• Transport mayoral hustings – (TBC)
• Spring Kidical Mass ride – possible dates 20 or 21 April
• Safe routes to school – upcoming campaign in summer: watch this space

Volunteer calls: 

• Why do you cycle? We’re gathering people’s stories, either in writing or – better still – via video. Don’t be shy, get in touch for your chance to tell us why you’re a proponent of pedalling! 
• Does web support tickle your fancy? We’re looking for members to help create content for our website, writing up blog articles on news and events about the campaigns activities. Or do you have an idea for a one off guest blog or even a regular series. Web editing skills aren’t required to write content just access to MS Word or Google Docs, BUT if you do have web editing skills we’re also looking for help with uploading articles to the website when they’re ready. If you can help with any of these, drop us an email.