A Harrogate councillor has called for new ‘no cycling’ signs to be painted on footpaths on the Stray after local residents raised concerns.
Sam Gibbs, a Conservative who represents Harrogate Valley Gardens on Harrogate Borough Council, said calls from concerned residents had prompted him to act.
He told Harrogate and Knaresborough and Conservative MP Andrew Jones’ Community News website:
“Cyclists were using the footpaths and travelling at great speed.
“The Stray should be enjoyed by everyone but cycling should only be on the routes that are permitted.”
Cllr Gibbs said signs should be painted on footpaths around Byron Walk Mews, which backs onto the Montpellier stretch of the Stray.
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The 200 acres of Stray land includes some routes for cyclists but they are prohibited to use many areas.
Judy d’Arcy-Thompson, chair of the Stray Defence Association, said:
“One of the best things about the Stray is the freedom but if you’re walking along and a cyclist comes behind you when you aren’t expecting it, it can be distressing.
“If people are getting worried or feel unsafe we would agree with Cllr Gibbs that it was a good idea.”
Kevin Douglas, chair of Harrogate District Cycle Action, said more needed to be done to offer safe routes for cyclists so riders didn’t feel they had to use the Stray:
“Most responsible cyclists don’t use them. But until there is proper, safe cycling infrastructure people will use the Stray.”
