City of York Council has produced a detailed report on its latest Active Travel Programme which includes over £3.3 million worth of investment in walking and cycling infrastructure.
The report will be shared at the council’s Executive Member for Transport Decision Session next week.
This follows the government’s announcement regarding the creation of a new body, Active Travel England, to oversee the implementation of walking and cycling schemes across the country. This which will be located in York, bringing employment and further opportunities to the city.
The Active Travel Programme is part of the council’s overall Transport Capital Programme and highlights upcoming projects and proposed schemes (some projects are subject to successful bids).
Cllr Keith Aspden, Leader of City of York Council, said: “We’ve just welcomed the announcement that the new government’s ‘Active Travel England’ will be located in York, so we are delighted to be demonstrating how we are investing in this key infrastructure.
“This will help provide local residents with greater opportunity to travel sustainably and ultimately, contribute towards our efforts to build a cleaner, greener and more accessible city for all. Supporting sustainable transportation across York is key to tackling some of the major challenges facing our city – carbon reduction, congestion and air quality.”
Cllr Andy D’Agorne, Deputy Leader and Executive Member for Transport, said: “Walking and cycling are healthy and efficient transport options that help to reduce congestion for those who need to use a vehicle.
“To support residents to get around sustainably we are investing in infrastructure which will make it easier and more attractive residents to walk, wheel, scoot and cycle safely, conveniently and enjoyably around the city.
“This provides more detail of our Active Travel Programme and consideration of the variety of schemes we have in the pipeline, which will each help to enhance sustainable travel.”
The prioritisation of the projects as well as the project outlines are set to be approved at the meeting next week. Schemes incorporated into the programme of work, include:
Navigation Road Cycle Safety Improvements
Provision of One Way Plug on Navigation Road to reduce traffic and improve north-south cycle route connections is now in place. This project links with road safety improvements at junctions with Foss Island Road to complete the recent changes made to the area.
A1237 section over the River Ouse
Provision of segregated cycle route on A1237 between Great North Way and A19 to enhance safety alongside the outer ring road.
Tadcaster Road (Transforming Cities Fund)
Provision of on road and off road cycle routes from Sim Balk Lane to the Mount to link in with a major Highway Maintenance Scheme. The ambition is to start the first phase of construction (the maintenance scheme) in early 2022
A19 cycling improvements
Provision of improved cycle facilities from A19 Rawcliffe Park and Ride to Rawcliffe lane; also from A19 Clifton Green to Rawcliffe lane; and A19 Bootham Bar-Clifton Green cycle route. To enable elements of the scheme to be delivered as early as possible it is proposed to consult and progress the scheme in sections.
Wheldrake Heslington cycle path
Provision of an off-road cycle route between Wheldrake and Heslington
City Centre north-South cycle route
Improved signage along High Petergate, Minster Yard, Deangate, Goodramgate, Aldwark, Hungate, Navigation Road and Walmgate
St George’s Field Crossing
Signalised Toucan Crossing of Tower Street near St Georges Field Car Park entrance to link with the proposed new Castle Gateway walking and cycling bridge over the Foss.
Acomb Road
Provision of cycle lanes on Acomb Road/York Road
People Streets
Measures to improve safety for Cyclists/pedestrians on Ostman Rd near Carr Junior/Infant schools
City centre bridges
Campaigns for improving behaviours on bridges (inc. awareness of avoiding close passing cyclists)
In addition to the above schemes, four more are proposed, subject to successful bids. These are included in the report to the Executive Member for Transport.
All schemes which impact on residents/ businesses will be subject to public consultation prior progressing the scheme.
The full report sets out plans for programme delivery to enable the council to engage with residents, businesses and partners on the upcoming schemes.
