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09
Oct 2022
Will Harrogate cycling schemes ever get out of first gear?
A cycling group has expressed frustration amid ongoing uncertainty over the timetable to increase active travel in the Harrogate district.
The council previously said designs to create better cycling routes on Victoria Avenue and the A59 were “likely” to be revealed this summer. It also said a consultation on Oatlands Drive cycling improvements was “likely to start soon after” Queen Elizabeth II’s platinum jubilee bank holiday weekend in June.
But a fortnight ago Councillor Keane Duncan, executive member for highways and transport at North Yorkshire County Council, said an Oatlands consultation was now likely to start in October and a consultation on Victoria Avenue and the A59 were due in the New Year.
The Stray Ferret asked the council why the consultations had been delayed.
Melisa Burnham, North Yorkshire County Council’s area highways manager, said in a statement:
Victoria Avenue is one of the routes designated for cycling improvements.
Councillors frequently talk about creating a joined-up, off-road cycle route from Harrogate train station to Cardale Park, which would require completion of the Station Gateway scheme and the Otley Road and Victoria Avenue cycle routes, as well as the prohibition of traffic on Beech Grove. None of these projects is making noticeable progress.
Read more:
- Beech Grove decision leaves Harrogate in slow lane for cycling
- Contractor for Harrogate's Otley Road cycle route to be appointed in autumn
Kevin Douglas, chairman of Harrogate District Cycle Action, said the speed of change was particularly disappointing because funding for projects was in place. He said:
https://twitter.com/cycle_harrogate/status/1578273599223472128
Mr Douglas also highlighted how, in contrast to delays on cycling schemes, work was due to start on the £68m scheme to realign Kex Gill for motorists. He added:
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