Decision details

Purpose of report: Cyclists will benefit from continuous cycle facilities along Water Lane; this scheme will provide a missing link in York's cycle network, and crucially, form part of the proposed orbital cycle route agreed with Cycling England as part of York becoming a Cycle City. However, traffic queues along Water Lane are likely to increase as a result of introducing improvements for cyclists at the Clifton Green signals. Funding for this scheme has been allocated within the 08/09 Capital Programme. The aim is to implement the scheme by the end of March 2009. The benefits of the improvements for cyclists would be seen immeidately. The effects of increased traffic queuing would also be seen immediately, but this is expected to dissipate as some drivers choose alternative routes or switch to cycling.

Members are asked to: Approve the proposals for implementation.

Members considered the following options:

Option One – implement the proposals as shown in Annex A of the report;

Option Two – make any changes to the proposals that Members consider   necessary;

Option Three – no cycle improvement measures to be implemented.

Advice of the Advisory Panel

(i)                 That the Executive Member for City Strategy be advised to approve Option One, to implement the proposals as detailed in Annex A of the report;

(ii)               That Officers undertake a separate examination of the problems reported in relation to traffic leaving the city wishing to turn left into Water End, turning left at the traffic lights rather than using the slip road onto Water End thereby causing additional congestion.

Decision of the Executive Member for City Strategy

RESOLVED:That the advice of the Advisory Panel be accepted and endorsed.

REASON:            These proposals will provide significant improvements for cyclists on Water End, and contribute to the aims of the Council as a Cycling City.