SIGNS intended to segregate pedestrians and cyclists on a York riverside path have become weathered and faded - in some cases ending up little more than indistinguishable blobs.

The painted surface markings are meant to show walkers and cyclists which side of the pathway they should stick to near Skeldergate Bridge.

But because of repeated flooding over the years from the River Ouse and the passage of thousands of feet and wheels, the signs have been gradually disappearing.

That has apparently let to people straying into the wrong lanes, risking potentially dangerous collisions.

One cyclist, who did not wish to be named, told The Press that a pedestrian wandered straight into her path as she was cycling along, and she narrowly avoided crashing into the man.

Pedestrians said the weathered signs could be confusing, particularly to tourists unfamiliar with the rules. Alison Bray, of York, said: "They need to be repainted."

York Press:

Some of the weathered markings

Fishergate councillor Andy D'Agorne said there were certainly some locations where the symbols needed repainting, especially alongside St George's Fields car park, where tourists were arriving in an unfamiliar place.

He said areas such as Blue Bridge and Millennium Bridge got very busy and had to be shared space, where pedestrians and cyclists should act with consideration for each other. "I think this should apply to the area immediately under Skeldergate Bridge, where pedestrians will be crossing to and from the Dyl's cafe or the car park entrance," he said.

"Segregation does tend to increase cyclist's speeds which is not desirable here, but clear cycle symbols on their own can help to alert visitors to the presence of bikes."

He added that he had asked for a safety audit of arrangements under Skeldergate Bridge and around the entrance to Dyl's cafe, as the side for bikes took them close to a blind corner there.

Tony Clarke, head of transport at City of York Council, said the authority was refreshing the cycle/pedestrian markings in the Skeldergate Bridge/Tower Street Gardens area this month as part of a repair programme.

"The advisory surface markings along this riverside pavement have been damaged during flood events," he said.

"Both pedestrians and cyclists have access to this area and, as is the case in any busy city centre environment, people should be mindful of their surroundings and personal safety."