Public given opportunity to discuss impact of York cycle lane

Cyclists, motorists and local residents in York are to be given the chance to have their views heard regarding a contentious cycle lane in the city, introduced last year at Clifton Green junction.

According to the York Press, the cycle lane has attracted criticism from residents living nearby who believe that its implementation has led some drivers to use their streets to bypass delays, leading for calls for the road to be restored to its previous layout.

But council officials in the city, which has some of the highest levels of cycling in Britain and benefits from Cycling City status are resisting pressure to do so in case that has an impact on future funding from Cycling England.

They are also said to be concerned that any further works could damage water mains on the road concerned.

The cycle lane replaced a previous left-hand filter lane, and the disappearance of the latter is said to have led to motorists heading from Water End into Shipton Road having to wait longer in line than was the case under the old road layout.

The newspaper added that the project had cost £540,000, getting on for double the original budget of £300,000 and that the City of York Council has created a task group to examine the issue.

A report that is due to be delivered next week to the council is said to state that putting back the former road layout would cost £6,000, while reinstating the junction approach could result in expenditure of £30,000.

The York Press adds that the council will now be setting up a public consultation event to enable local residents, motorists and cyclists to put their views across, with their concerns subsequently being assessed by the working party.