York City Council calls for comments on bike-friendly traffic changes

Over 700 people in York have responded to a call for consultation on proposed changes to one of the city’s biggest junctions, considered one of the city’s most dangerous points for cyclists, which could see traffic lanes replaced by cycle routes.

City of York Council has invited comments regarding potential changes to the junction of Queen Street, Nunnery Lane and Blossom Street, where there have been 31 recorded accidents during the last five years, nine involving cyclists.

Options under consideration for the project, which will cost between £475,000 and £575,000, to be met by Cycle City funding, also include putting in new pedestrian crossings, and the plans have been welcomed by cyclists and neighbouring schools.

Drivers have been less enthusiastic, however, claiming that any changes to the junction will cause increased traffic congestion.

Since consultation opened on 21 January, responses have flooded in from the public, both by post and email.

Councillor Steve Galloway, the council’s Executive Member for City Strategy, told The York Press: “We are trying to open up choices, especially for pedestrians and cyclists. None of these options will be popular with everybody, but we are asking people to take an objective view.”

The deadline for the consultation is March 26, and before then a public exhibition will be held at Nunnery Lane car park on February 25 and 26. The proposed plans will also be displayed at council offices at 9 St Leonard's Place and Askham Bar Park & Ride.

Anyone needing a questionnaire should contact Richard Holland on 01904 551401 or visit the appropriate page on the council website, which also gives full details of the proposals.

Meanwhile, the council is reportedly considering another new route for cyclists and pedestrians, which would run from York Station to Holgate Road via Lowther Terrace, meaning that they would not have to use Blossom Street.