[David]

I completely agree. This is especially noticeable at the Greenway crossing, but also a consistent problem throughout North Yorkshire.

NYCC describe the way they prioritise motor vehicles as ‘balancing the interests of different road users’.

It is hard to imagine them being able to solve this problem unless they are first able to be honest about the facts.

[David]

You raise an important point about law-breaking by drivers.

The arrangements at the junction of Beech Grove, West Park and Victoria Avenue have not changed, and some drivers have always ignored the ‘left turn only’. The number doing so may have increased.

Beech Grove itself is MUCH safer and more pleasant since the modal filters were put in. The response to law-breaking by drivers should be police enforcement, not removing a valuable active travel scheme.

When NYCC build their Victoria Avenue scheme, this junction is likely to be changed and the problem should be resolved.

[David]

I didn’t see this before, so I’m only replying now.

I don’t agree that our objective should be to appease “anti-cycling drivers”. That will get us nowhere. There is majority support for better cycle infrastructure in Harrogate.

I use Beech Grove regularly by bike and on foot. It was through traffic that caused the danger there before, and it is much safer and more pleasant now.

Through traffic should stay on main roads; residential streets shouldn’t be part of the network for through traffic. If there are queues at the top of Station Parade meaning a journey takes a few seconds longer, it’s not a disaster. It might even encourage some people to go by bike instead – especially if there are safe routes.

HDCA Supporters support the creation of a safe cycle network in Harrogate. It’s fine to disagree about exactly how it should be done, but it’s not the right forum for people who are hostile to the basic idea of a cycle network.

[David]

Sorry I didn’t see this until now. I’m sure the issue has been raised with North Yorkshire, but as ever nothing has been done.

I’ll ask if anyone else knows more.

[David]

Hi Scott,

Thanks for your question.

First and most important, the loss of trees near the junction with Harlow Moor Road is nothing to do with the cycleway. It is because NYCC are creating a right turn lane off Otley Road onto Harlow Moor Road, for vehicles.

Work on the traffic lane has started first. Last time I looked there was no work yet on the cycleway unfortunately.

I agree that a bike path is more important uphill than downhill, but there is to be one both sides of Otley Road. That should help less experienced cyclists/children going to school.

There’s a link to the design on NYCC’s West Harrogate Improvement Package page.

[David]

Thanks for that information, Alex, it sounds promising.

[Author]

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