At long last on 16 May, a popular part of the sustrans/solar system way cycle track became passable again. It was first closed in early January to allow repairs on the bridge by Brunswick Nursery on the outskirts of Bishopthorpe. 

Unfortunately, there were several delays to the cycle track being re-opened.  Originally it was scheduled for the end of March, which became 12 May and finally 16 May. Very frustratingly the road on the bridge itself was fully opened to all traffic for some weeks previously, including to large heavy lorries. This has caused some issues in the village, with some residents supporting a petition to stop these very large lorries using the village roads.

Unfortunately (part 2) the cycle diversion had to use a section of road (Appleton Rd) that these lorries use, making the extra long closure of the cycle track more disappointing.

Unfortunately (part 3) some of the cycle diversion signs were removed early, meaning any cyclists who didn’t know the area might get lost.

Unfortunately (part 4) one of the roads (Maple Avenue) that was part of the cycle track diversion became partially closed due to roadworks. Because it had its own diversion, just to complicate things even more this meant that the original diversions were diverted. The photo above shows that actually, although it was passable as a cyclist, there were no “road closed to cars but not to cyclists” type of signage which would have been welcome.

Anyway, other than that the whole thing has been really smooth.…

Thanks to YCC ward rep Tim Smith