A CYCLISTS' group has raised safety concerns over the new underpass under the A64 near York.

Paul Hepworth, of the North Yorkshire branch of the Cyclists Touring Club, says cyclists using a new cyclepath through the underpass at Copmanthorpe then have to "tangle" with vehicles to cross the link road leading to the underpass.

He claims villagers had expressed concern before the underpass even opened about potential vehicle speeds along the link road. He called for an island to be created in the middle of the road to curb car speeds and also provide a crossing point for cyclists and other non-motorised travellers. This would enable them to cross the road more safely in two stages.

He said the club had originally suggested a totally segregated cycle and pedestrian link, but this had not found favour with the Highways Agency.

He said the CTC was pleased with a new cycle bridge provided over the railway at Bondhill Ash, and also a Toucan Crossing nearby.

The agency said that at some point cyclists had to leave the new cycle path to join the carriageway. "After consultations, it was felt that the current crossing point at the 'gateway' entrance to Copmanthorpe was the most suitable location," said a spokeswoman. There are no segregated lanes or paths for cyclists in Copmanthorpe village, so it was not possible to extend the new cycle path."

Updated: 10:44 Monday, November 04, 2002