The Ryedale Cycle Forum has been meeting regularly over the last few years to plan and consider ways in which to promote various aspects of cycling within the District, particularly cycle routes and trails. Apart from specific trails created by the National Park there are very few, if any, cycle routes created for health and recreation. There are minor and sometimes inadequate short sections beside major roads, and the Sustrans signposted routes – apart from these, the availability of routes is non-existent in an area where all roads, are now busier and less well maintained.
Over the last few years cycling in the UK has increased significantly, not only due to its health benefits but also due to the recent successes of UK sports people in major cycling events e.g. the Olympics, and Tour de France. Yorkshire in particular has benefited from this with its own Tour de Yorkshire. Conversely the opportunity for the individual to cycle to work, for pleasure or with friends is inadequate and sometimes dangerous on increasingly potted and rutted roads.
The Council has already taken the initiative to fund the feasibility study of a cycle route between Malton and Pickering linking the two Market Towns and creating a route for workers and leisure cyclists. We consider Ryedale should take the opportunity to make better provision for cyclists by utilising some of the S106 contributions to fund this route and others routes within the area. We understand that some of the developers contributions are for Sports, some related to the whole of Ryedale and others for adult and young persons recreation in Norton and Malton.
Routes and Cycleways
The Forum has considered a number of routes and cycleways within Ryedale. There are draft routes between the northern market towns as considered by the Market Towns Group, across the Vale of Pickering and also specific routes along exiting major roads where safety is paramount to the individual. It would also be possible with some of the district wide S106 monies to contribute to other agencies for the provision of cycle trails.
In relation to the Malton/Norton area cycling through the towns and out along the major roads is woefully inadequate. There is a substandard cycle route towards Rillington from Norton, but no routes out to Huttons Ambo lane end, Broughton Road or north to Pickering.
We consider as our priorities
- A cycle route out of Malton to Kirby Misperton (as the first stage of the Malton Pickering route)
The Council has already received a draft report on a Malton to Pickering route in partnership with Sustrans. It would be possible to undertake the scheme in stages with a first section out of Malton to Kirbymisperton. This would link the new development at Eden Camp with Malton making a safe cycling route north.
- A cycle route from the York Rd Industrial Estate to Huttons Ambo Lane end
A scheme has been developed in response to a request by the Forum, to create a 0.5 mile long section of two way, off-road segregated cycle path alongside the A64 at Musley Bank. linking the Huttons Ambo turn-off with Malton’s York Road. This will be very useful to touring and recreational cyclists, travelling between York and Malton. At the moment, they can travel via Castle Howard, or alongside the A64 where separate cycle lanes exist or on a minor road route via the hilly Whitewall Corner, where they are exposed to extensive quarry traffic.
The scheme will contribute to long term plans by Highways England, to fully dual the A64, which will hopefully include cycle facilities throughout. These would be very useful for local commuting and utility journeys and York to Malton would take up to 2 hours to cycle, when journey time is of the essence.
Many recreational cyclists will often choose to avoid riding alongside busy trunk roads, and will use quiet roads instead. A locally favoured and near level option (useful for touring cyclists with heavy luggage) involves using the foot crossing suspension bridge of the River Derwent, at Huttons Ambo. This has pleasant, minor road links on either side, to both York & Malton, a distance of some 25 miles and around 3 hours leisure riding time. The new would enable cyclists to avoid Whitewall corner, and create a flat route at the Malton end. Part of York Road into Malton already has a shared foot and cycle path along one side, as far as Derwent Bank.
The scheme will encourage more touring cyclists to visit Ryedale, and assist its visitor economy. Local residents will also have more opportunity to cycle for leisure, and to use pedal power for some local school, work and shopping journeys.
As the scheme is sited alongside a Strategic Trunk Road, the lead agency is Highways England. They have provisionally programmed this scheme for their 2018/19 budget, subject to availability of funds.
Ryedale Cycle Forum will be monitoring the situation at the end of 2017, and will work with Sustrans and Cycling UK, plus local campaign groups to try to ensure that the scheme does not slip in timescale or vanish from Highways England’s radar.
Other problems with A64 road-side cycleways can be reported to Highways England via Ryedale Cycle Forum. Please email Helen Gundry.
- A cycle route out of Malton to Amotherby
The development along the Broughton Road and Pasture Lane will result in a realigned Broughton Road and different access to Old and New Malton. The creation of a roundabout and new junction will make access for pedestrians and cyclists more difficult. The provision of a pedestrian/cycle crossing across Pasture lane and then out towards Broughton using the new and existing path will improve safety for both and enable access from the West into Malton town centre. This will also assist the start of the Malton – Pickering first stage out of Wentworth Street CP.
- Improvements to the cycle route out of Norton to Rillington
As a result of higher standards and road changes the cycle route along the A64 after Brambling Fields and into Rillington requires improvement. The track is too narrow in parts and poorly signed, one section by the A64 is unsafe and needs a barrier. This is currently being considered by Highways England but not yet funded or prioritised.
- Norton/Malton/ Old Malton Link
There is an existing right of way north from the Fire station to the Old Malton Road that passes the Orchard Field site and Fitzwilliam Estate office. Facilities at Orchard Fields for leisure have recently been improved but a tarmac route along this footpath from Sheepfoot Hill and an improved pedestrian/cycle path along the south side of the road past RDC offices to Old Malton would enable the linking of two or three communities without the need to travel up Castlegate. Suitable signage and markings would be required at the start and end of this route.
- Kirkbymoorside to Keldholme link
A small amount of S106 monies have been allocated to this scheme from the local housing development but a further sum is needed to achieve the desired link eventually extending from KMS to Pickering.
Summary
It is appreciated that not all of these schemes will be possible with the amount available from developers. We consider that whilst the A64 cycle routes are important they should be funded by the relevant agency i.e. Highways England.
The two schemes most important to us are the link between Norton and Old Malton Road and the start of the Malton to Pickering route. The link route has immediate benefits for both communities for pedestrians and cyclists and can be costed and delivered by Sustrans after proper consultation with the landowners. The Malton Pickering route has already been provisionally costed and consultation undertaken. It also has the advantage of attracting other funding sources.
If you have any comments about these proposals please email Helen Gundry at the Cycle Forum.
Conclusion
We request the District Council to provide a substantial allocation from the S106 contributions being received over the next few years towards the two schemes summarised in the previous paragraph.
List of known significant S106 contributions
- Wimpy site, Malton £139,650 for the provision of new leisure sports facilities and improvements to existing sports facilities in the area of Ryedale.
- Westfield Nurseries, Norton – £290,000 for the provision and or improvement to youth and or adult sports facilities within the vicinity of the land within Norton and Malton.
- Cheesecake Farm, Norton – £112,587 for provision of youth or adult open space in the vicinity.
- Land off Whitfield Ave, Pickering – £56,500 for the provision of youth or adult sports facilities in the land within Pickering.
- Station Road, Ampleforth – £75,000 for the provision of youth or adult sports facilities within the villages of Ampleforth and Gilling East.
A full breakdown of S106 contributions available for grants and the application process can be found at www.ryedale.gov.uk.
