The station frontage project, already way over budget and a year behind on completion is now facing further controversy over blocked cycle lanes.
In response to media pressure led by the Greens, the council has now admitted that some of the lanes will not be completed until 2028! The most prominent lanes closest to the station entrance have now been closed off with large planters, forcing cyclists to stay on the busy main road when the lane is already constructed. This is because a nearby substation has to be removed before the popular pedestrian and cycle link from Holgate Rd can be joined up with the completed sections of bike lanes.
York Green’s Transport spokesperson and active travel campaigner Andy D’Agorne has been working as part of the York Cycle Campaign to highlight slow progress on opening up theses bike lanes near York Station. Since July this year, most of the lanes have been completed and marked out but remain closed off with roadwork barriers and planters.
Similarly, cycle lanes from the Blossom St junction to the Rail Institute have been completed recently but remain blocked by signs saying that the cycle lane is closed!
City of York Council has now promised that most lanes will be opened by the end of September. York Cycle Campaign members are concerned that the incomplete designs are forcing cyclists onto pavements and pedestrian crossings where there should be separate facilities. Further protests are planned to keep on the pressure for a full opening of the routes in the near future.
Watch the Cycle Campaign social media or website, or join the campaign if you want the latest details. yorkcyclecampaign.bike
