CYCLISTS claim that moves to make social distancing easier in a popular shopping street have actually made the road more dangerous.

City of York Council put bollards in the cycle lane on Bishy Road to widen the area for pedestrians using its shops.

But cyclists say that makes life more dangerous for them, and Micklegate councillor Pete Kilbane said it showed there was an “anti-cycling culture at the heart of the council”

Fellow Micklegate councillor Rosie Baker of the Green Party has called for Bishy Road to be made one way, with one carriageway closed to allow room for pedestrians and cyclists to social distance safely.

A York Cycle Campaign spokesman said: “We’re shocked and appalled to see that cones have been scattered along both side of Bishy Road, blocking the cycle lanes and making an already narrow two-way street even narrower.

“We assume that the council put the cones there in response to concerns about social distancing space for pedestrians. However, the action provided virtually no increased space for pedestrians and instead significantly increased the risk for cyclists.

Cllr Kilbane said: “This is the last straw. During these times of light traffic we have been lobbying the council to try out sustainable methods of transport around the city during the lockdown. Not least to ease the pressure at pinch points on shared pedestrian/cycle paths.

“Now, in response to our call to make Bishopthorpe Rd safer for cyclists and shoppers, they've closed the cycle lanes - making it more dangerous. It's unbelievable, and shows a knee jerk anti-cycling attitude at the heart of the council.”

Cllr Baker wants the southbound carriageway of Bishy Road away from the city centre closed. She said it would reduce the risk of injury to pedestrians and cyclists

Cllr Andy D’Agorne, transport executive member, said: “We’re hearing from some residents and local businesses that they are finding it hard to stick to social distance guidelines at certain locations in the city, particularly on some narrow footpaths.

“Many residents have been making use of wider areas and waiting to allow others to pass. However, to aid residents, we are looking at how we can help residents in adhering to social distancing guidance.

“In addition to these immediate measures, council officers are also currently exploring how best to respond to these challenges in the medium to long term, and are identifying opportunities to maintain the health benefits of low traffic and improved air quality in whatever the new normal looks like for communities.”