THE public is to be consulted on the controversial subject of whether cycling should be allowed on a number of "shared paths" across Harrogate's 200-acre Stray.
The borough council is to carry out the consultation to see whether there is support for the introduction of a limited number of shared paths accommodating pedestrians and cyclists.
Since 2001, over £1.5m has been spent on cycling projects in Harr
ogate and Knaresborough and companies have contributed £250,000 as part of developments.
As a result, more than 11 miles of off-road cycle routes have been created, which has brought substantial additional lengths of quiet road into use in support of the council's cycling implementation plan.
The plan also includes proposals to establish cycle routes on a number of footpaths on the edge of the Stray and to bridge a gap in the cycle network north and south of the town.
Transport chiefs are looking at the introduction of a small number of shared paths across the Stray – the grassland around the town's historic core – which is owned by the Duchy of Lancaster.
The cabinet member responsible for highways, Don Mackenzie, said: "We know there are many who quite rightly and robustly defend the Stray from any encroachment.
"As custodian of it, on behalf of the Crown, we too actively protect it. However, the world is changing. More and more people are returning to or taking up cycling, especially with the rising cost of fuel, and many are using pedal power in their desire to keep fit." Coun Mackenzie said the proposed link in the route was important in national plans for a coast-to-coast cycle route.
The Stray is protected by law and previous thoughts of allowing cycling on it have fallen because of the cost of revoking bye-laws. The Local Government and Involvement in Health Act could allow the bye-law to be revoked to permit cycling but only on the shared footpaths.
The full article contains 356 words and appears in n/a newspaper.
