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19
Jan 2022
Don't judge Otley Road cycle path until its complete, says campaign group
Harrogate District Cycle Action has urged people to hold judgement on the new Otley Road cycle path until it is completed in full.
The first phase of the long-delayed Harrogate cycle path between Harlow Moor Road and Arthurs Avenue was due for completion last week but has now been pushed back again until 21 February 2022.
Kevin Douglas, chairman of Harrogate District Cycle Action, said while the campaign group had raised some concerns over the works completed so far, people would only see the full benefits when all three phases of the project are completed.
He said:
The cycle path is part of a wider package of sustainable transport measures for Harrogate, which will cost around £4.6 million once completed.
Funding was first secured by North Yorkshire County Council in 2017 and there have since been several delays involving utility and construction works.
Read more:
- Otley Road business owner ‘fuming’ about cycle path works
- Otley Road cycle path ‘disaster waiting to happen’, says pub landlord
There have also been drawn-out discussions with the Duchy of Lancaster – the owners of the Stray – over the use of grass verges protected by law.
Despite the long-awaited progress on the first phase, the county council has said it is still unable to say when the project could be completed in full.
It said phase two could start in April and that the final phase connecting Cardale Park relies on developer funding, which is currently being worked on and will lead to more detailed planning, including a feasibility study.
Junction concerns
The concerns raised by Harrogate District Cycle Action over the first phase involve changes to Otley Road’s junction with Harlow Moor Road, as well as priority for pedestrians.
Mr Douglas said the campaign group would soon meet with council officers to highlight the issues.
He said:
Mr Douglas added:
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