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
