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15
Nov 2022
Cycling consultation event highlights Harrogate's deep divide
A heated consultation event about the latest plans to encourage cycling in Harrogate highlighted the dilemma facing decision-makers.
North Yorkshire County Council held the event at Harrogate Civic Centre on Friday to hear views about the second phase of the Otley Road cycle route.
Some residents in the area made it clear they didn't think any of the three options put forward were practical and called for the scheme to be scrapped.
They accused the council staff present of ignoring their views and claimed the consultation was a waste of time.
But some cyclists, frustrated by the length of time it is taking to implement active travel schemes that have funding in place, urged the council to get on with it. However, they have concerns about how safe some of the options are for cyclists.
Studying the designs for the various options.
A major problem for the council is the narrowness of Otley Road and nearby streets that could be affected, such as Beech Grove and Victoria Road.
It makes it difficult to introduce cycle lanes wide enough to meet current design standards without imposing traffic restrictions, such as one-way systems.
Melisa Burnham, area highways manager at the council, said the consultation had so far received more than 100 replies. She added:
To take part in the consultation, which ends on November 28, click here.
The three options for Otley Road
Option 1
The first option is what was originally proposed for this second phase of the Otley Road cycle path, which runs between the junctions of Cold Bath Road and Beech Grove.
These plans include junction upgrades and shared cycle paths and footways, similar to what has already been built on Otley Road. But the county council said some sections could be too narrow, which is why it is considering re-routing.
Option 2
Under these plans the route would be diverted onto Victoria Road with a one-way traffic system and the removal of some parking spaces to allow for a 1.5 metre wide cycle path.
The one-way traffic system would run up until Lancaster Road, before connecting with Beech Grove.
Option 3
This final option would see a 3m wide shared cycle path and footway built on Queens Road before connecting with Lancaster Road and Beech Grove.
Parallel and toucan crossings are also proposed.
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