Helen Gundry leads a conversation on why paths for everyone are important, and the recent progress that Ryedale Cycle Forum have made towards some new paths in Ryedale. In this Zoom presentation, Helen will share some of the progress so far, the designs, route ideas, considerations and hurdles, and ways that you might be able to help.
Cycle forum
Cycling through Rillington
Recently we have had dialogue with Highways England both through written suggestions and also a video call in an attempt to discuss their latest plans.
One of the areas we flagged up is the way the “End of Cycle Track” sign appears just after Sands Lane forcing cyclists on to the road through a winding section often amongst heavy lorries to a traffic signalled crossroad. Once through this point they have to find their way back onto the right hand side of the road to continue their onwards journey towards Norton on the cycle track.
It isn’t much better in the other direction (especially if traffic is waiting to turn down the High Street)
We discussed the possibility of a dual use/shared footpath – but the east bound bus stop area was flagged as an issue. Ultimately it was suggested that maybe this was something that we could take up with the Parish Council in order to make a more user friendly suggestion.
In reality people who don’t feel comfortable cycling on a busy A road (such as those with young children) probably will stay on the pavement (illegally), but some people feel uncomfortable doing this. Maybe there is scope to ask for a better arrangement with a toucan crossing and a wider segregated pavement near to the Coach and Horses. Perhaps also signage allowing people to cycle on the pavement with a notion that they must “Give Way” to pedestrians and share the space.
Ideally staying on the one side of the road would be preferred and make the track more user friendly. A possible variation is to allow cyclists to cross towards the west bound pavement at Sands Lane, make the path wider up until the crossroads, then continue on utilising the very wide pavement after the butchers (which cars are parking on) and provide a safe crossing point back onto the current cycle track.
Any thoughts will be most welcome, anything which makes people feel more comfortable walking or cycling should be in the villages best interest.
Any feedback is welcome via the Ryedale Cycle Forum secretary – helenspost@msn.com
Ryedale Environment Week
As part of the online Ryedale Environmental Week, Ryedale Cycle Forum have a joint live slot with Big Bear Bikes on Thursday 29th October, from 7pm-7.45.
On your e-bike!
Big Bear Bikes tell us everything we need to know about electric bicycles. Ryedale Cycle Forum discuss cycle routes, events and cycling safely.
Book HERE
NYCC Active travel routes
NYCC currently have an online form available for active travel suggestions to make North Yorkshire’s streets better for walking and cycling. A good opportunity to make suggestions about where new cycle routes or shared paths could be installed. Users have to register with the NYCC “my account” system but is then useful for other services and information, including reporting potholes.
https://myaccount.northyorks.gov.uk/active-travel
To report pot holes seperately, email area4@northyorks.gov.uk, with clear location details.
cyclingwithoutage.org
We would like to ascertain the view of the Ryedale Cycle Forum group on whether we should affiliate to Cycling Without Age?
We have very many elderly people in Ryedale, and contacts with this international group can only help us to find the support and funds we need to get Paths for Everyone that would allow people of all ages to get out and about in a low carbon way. Comments via this thread or to helenspost@msn.com
Active Travel England created to oversee UK Gov’s £2Bn cycling and walking investment
The full guidance can be downloaded via this link.
