Scheme for busy junctions aims for safer cycling

CYCLISTS who feel unsafe tackling York's busy street network will benefit from new road layouts at congestion hotspots.

It is feared some cyclists are putting themselves and pedestrians at risk trying to get past the jams.

Cycling City York funding could be used to trial new measures aimed at making it safer and easier for cyclists to negotiate some of the community's narrowest and busiest roads, including Museum Street, Lendal Bridge and Gillygate.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Coun Steve Galloway, York Council's executive member for city strategy, will be asked to consider proposals for new road markings on April 6.

Thse include a 1m-wide advisory cycle feeder-lanes along most of Museum Street, on the south side of Gillygate (towards Bootham Bar) and along a short section of the north side of Gillygate, approaching its junction with Lord Mayor's Walk.

Officials say queueing traffic on heavily used routes can pose problems for cyclists. If vehicles are too close to the kerb it is often impossible to pass.

Such delays can led to cyclists pedalling on the footpaths, putting pedestrians at risk, or to attempt other dangerous manoeuvres to bypass queues.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"Since York was given Cycling City Status, a great deal of thought has been given to how these roads can be made easier and safer for cyclists to use. In an attempt to tackle the problem," a council spokesman said.

"It has been agreed that advisory, one metre-wide 'feeder-lanes' for cyclists should be created to encourage motorists to position their vehicles further away from the kerb.

"This will give cyclists room to pass and a clear run to the advanced-stop-line at the front of the queue. However, the cycle lanes will be advisory so that vehicles will still legally be allowed to enter them if necessary."

It was accepted that situations will arise where vehicles, particularly buses and HGVs, will have to encroach into the cycle feeder-lane, he added.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

If the trial is successful, it is hoped that similar measures can be used on other sections of the inner ring road and the city centre, including Station Road, Ouse Bridge, Bridge Street, Low Ousegate and Lords Mayor's Walk.

It would also support the council's Healthy City-strategy. "For this to happen we will make sure that people are supported to make healthier lifestyle choices and that health and social care services are quick to respond for those that need them," the spokesman added.

Related topics: