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19
Feb 2021
'Time to share the roads,' says Harrogate cycling group
A Harrogate cycling group which consults with local councils believes that it is time for cars to start sharing the road with cyclists more.
The Harrogate and District Cycle Action (HDCA) comments come ahead of another proposed shakeup of the town centre to encourage cycling and walking.
North Yorkshire County Council will launch a consultation on Monday into its "gateway" project, which includes James Street and Station Parade.
The comments also come in the week that debate raged on about the closure of Beech Grove and proposals to make Oatlands Drive one way.
The Stray Ferret has seen record numbers of comments about these stories on our social media posts this week, in which people seem to be increasingly polarised.
Some local residents came out against the schemes because, they said, it would reduce access and choice for them. But others welcomed the news.
Read more:
- Cars could make way for cyclists on another Harrogate road
- Cars drive over Stray to avoid Harrogate road closure
Contrary to claims that the road closures appear random, the Harrogate and District Cycle Action (HDCA) group said that they all play into a wider vision for the town.
Kevin Douglas, chair of the HDCA, told the Stray Ferret:
Mr Douglas, when asked about demand for all these new cycling routes, pointed to North Yorkshire County Council's congestion survey in 2019.
That survey, answered by 14,000 people, found that 77% would use improved cycling and walking infrastructure if it was built.
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