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28
Jan 2022
Long-awaited Otley Road cycle lane opens to safety concerns
The first phase of the much-anticipated cycle lane on Otley Road in Harrogate was completed today amid safety fears by a cycling campaign group.
North Yorkshire County Council has now completed the initial stretch from Harlow Moor Road to Arthurs Avenue. It is the first of three phases on Otley Road.
However, the junction with Harlow Moor Road has given Harrogate District Cycle Action group cause for concern.
Kevin Douglas, chairman of HDCA, told the Stray Ferret the cycle route was a "step forward" overall but the junction failed to meet safety standards:
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North Yorkshire County Council has been working closely with Mr Douglas and other local cycling groups as part of the consultation process.
Much of the route is shared with pedestrians.
Cllr Don Mackenzie, executive member for access, told the Stray Ferret:
Construction of the second phase, from Cold Bath Road to Beech Grove, is due to start in April. There is still no timescale for phase three, which will connect to Cardale Park.
Mr Mackenzie also raised the prospect of eventually extending the cycle lane to Beckwithshaw. He told the Stray Ferret it would likely receive funding due to the number of housing planned for the area. Developers, as part of planning consent, would be expected to fund the route.
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