Issue - meetings

This reports examines options for extending the off-road cycle facilities on Beckfield Lane. The Executive Member is asked to consider these options in order to allow this scheme to progress.

RESOLVED:             That the Executive Member authorises the continued design of, and public consultation on, the proposal shown in Annex C to the officer report.

REASON:                  To allow the scheme to progress in comparison with other cycle schemes around the city.

The Executive Member considered a report which looked at options for extending the recently constructed off-road cycle facilities on Beckfield Lane between Boroughbridge Road and Ostman Road, to the junction with Wetherby Road.

The Executive Member referred to further written representations he had received from:

• Councillor D’Agorne, who agreed that the scheme was worthwhile but suggested that there were other schemes in the capital programme that were a higher priority in terms of reducing accidents, promoting cycling and developing a coherent cycle network, notably Blossom Street and Fishergate Gyratory.
• Peter Pagliaro, York Access Group, in support of the extension to the new shared path, believing that it would improve safe access not only to pupils and others at Manor CE School, but also to cyclists and those with special needs. 
• Susan and Julian Jones, local residents, in support of the proposal to extend the shared path believing that it would improve safety and improve access for cyclists, wheelchair users and those with special needs.
• Geoff and Dianne Henman, residents, in support of the proposal to eventually extend the new shared path along both sides of Beckfield Lane.
• David Brown, Secretary York Access Group, in support of the implementation of the proposals at the earliest opportunity but had concerns about shared paths without a tactile division recognisable by guide dogs.
• Adrian Pagliaro, resident, in support of the scheme believing the proposed extension would improve safety on a busy and dangerous stretch of road, particularly for children travelling to school.
• Debbie Pagliaro, resident, in support of the proposal as the shared path would improve safety for cyclists and pedestrians.
• Reverend Phil Carman, resident,  in support of the proposal as the fast moving traffic in Beckfield Lane presented dangerous road conditions for cyclists, especially children travelling to Manor CE School.

Peter Pagliaro of York Access Group, spoke in support of the proposal.  He stated that the new shared path was being well-used, and had also been welcomed by wheelchair users.  The latest proposal was also well-thought out and would improve the safety of cyclists.

Paul Hepworth, Cycling Touring Club, expressed concern regarding the proposed toucan crossing near the Ostman Road junction which would necessitate cyclists travelling alongside Beckfield Lane to pass the entrance/exit to the Civic Amenity site.  He suggested that consideration be given to siting the toucan crossing on the B1224 side of the tip access or if this were not possible, to install some minimal physical calming to be installed to reduce vehicle speeds on entering or leaving the Amenity site.  Officers responded to the concerns regarding the siting of the crossing and explained that a pedestrian survey had taken place which showed a higher number of pedestrians crossing near Ostman Road, and the proposed siting of the crossing removed the need for cyclists to cross the access to the shops.  As part of the detailed design further consideration would be given to access to the Amenity site.

Following consideration of all comments received the Executive Member then considered the following  ...  view the full minutes text for item 13