Beckfield Lane residents’ in York threaten to “lie down in the road” over cycle path plan (From York Press)

Beckfield Lane residents’ in York threaten to “lie down in the road” over cycle path plan

10:29am Saturday 21st November 2009 in

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A FURIOUS resident of Beckfield Lane said she will “lie down in the road” to try and stop a council plan to extend a cycle track along a stretch of pavement.

Sonja Tait is one of many residents of the street to oppose City of York Council’s plan to extend an existing cycle lane along the pavement and grass verges.

Despite the plan being put on hold for up to nine months, opposition remains strong in parts of Beckfield Lane and residents there are determined to see the path stopped in its tracks.

Steve Galloway, head of City Strategy at City of York Council, had given the go-ahead to the track last month but his decision was called in by Acomb ward councillors and will now go before a council scrutiny committee.

Those opposed to the scheme hope this will allow breathing space to mount a successful opposition.

Mrs Tait said she feared the “shared” path would pose a danger to elderly residents using the path and put cyclists at risk from motorists reversing from their driveways.

“I am not a nimby, but we have spoken to so many people in this area and we believe that there are too many elderly people.

“I would like to see it being thrown out altogether or a plan to make it an on-road path. It’s too dangerous for residents.

“I will lie down in the road to stop this.”

Fellow resident Dee Bush questioned the legitimacy of the plan and pointed out that government guidelines from 1986 recommended local authorities avoid shared paths.

Coun Galloway, who will now have to consider the scheme again, said: “This issue was called in and as a result any decision has been suspended, and during the next nine months residents and other interested parties will have the opportunity to put forward representations.”

Mr Galloway said he agreed with the government that shared cycle and pedestrian routes could be dangerous but added: “The proposal was for a segregated path similar to that which has been established without any problems at the other end of Beckfield Lane.

“All the indications are that those with young children under 11 and those who wish to take up cycling like to use off-carriageway facility facilities.”

Project on right track...

WORK is under way on a major cycling project in York.

Transport engineers are widening Crichton Avenue, in Clifton, to provide cycle lanes and shared areas for pedestrians and cyclists, as well as a new toucan crossing near the post office.

The £575,000 project is due to be completed by the end of March.

Graham Titchener, programme manager for Cycling City York, said: “We’re doing the work in response to feedback that we’ve received from local people. As part of the drive to get more residents cycling, we’re determined to create a circular cycle route around the city.”