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Oct 2022

Last Updated: 07/10/2022

Transport

Will Harrogate cycling schemes ever get out of first gear?

by John Plummer

| 09 Oct, 2022

Will Harrogate's long-promised cycle schemes ever happen? After yet more delays, a cycling group calls for resources to be dedicated to completing projects as soon as possible.

Beech Grove reopens on Aug 12

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:

“We want to ensure that all road users fully understand the strategic links between all the proposed projects in Harrogate to enable them to comment with a clear voice.

“To ensure this, we have taken the time necessary to draft detailed engagement papers. Details of the consultation will be announced soon. We have explained this situation to interested parties.”

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.

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:

"We have been waiting so long for this. It's frustrating that every time we seem to be making progress, the dates slip back.

"We need to see resources dedicated to carrying out the work as soon as possible."

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:

"All we can do is keep pressing for change and hope things start to move more quickly."

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Will Harrogate cycling schemes ever get out of first gear?

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