Harrogate Borough Council

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Harrogate Borough Council will next week (10 November) start a major consultation asking people for views on whether cycling should be permitted on a limited number of paths on Harrogate's 200 acre Stray.

 

The proposal to allow cycling by sharing footpaths with pedestrians would be created by the relaxation of the by-laws that currently prohibit cycling on all Stray footpaths.  Legal officers believe that a relaxation of the by-laws can now be achieved by using new Government legislation thereby avoiding a lengthy and complicated legal procedure that was the only course previously open to the council.

 

These paths would link up with other established cycle routes and assist in the creation of the comprehensive cycle network advocated by the Cycling Implementation Plan, which has already been adopted by the Council.

 

The proposal is to provide a limited number of 'shared' use paths.  The alternative would be to segregate paths.  It has been demonstrated that both cyclists and pedestrians exercise care when using 'shared' paths of this nature but that segregated paths can cause issues of 'ownership'.  Many of the current paths will be unaffected and will remain pedestrian only. 

 

The council has overall responsibility for the management of the Stray but will also need to consult the Duchy of Lancaster, which owns the land, and other key agencies before the council's Cabinet considers the eventual way forward.  This is expected not to be until February 2009.

 

Funding for the proposals is available from the Local Transport Plan allocation from North Yorkshire County Council and the council says it can respond to the requirements in the Stray Act that no grass land is lost.

 

Cllr Don Mackenzie, Cabinet Member for Planning and Transport, comments:  "If the proposals do find favour with residents and the Duchy, then the council would certainly be in a better position to enforce the cycling ban on pedestrian only footpaths.  Even with this new legislation, there are still costs involved and we do not want to carry out abortive work or needlessly spend money.  We need to know whether the proposals have support or not."

 

"The views of local residents and interested groups are very important and the council wants to hear from as many people as possible."

 

The consultation document and comment form are available at Council Offices in Harrogate and the libraries in Starbeck and Bilton or from the council's website at www.harrogate.gov.uk/cycling  A map outlining the proposals is attached.

 

Further information is available from Chris McGonigle, Chief Engineer on 01423 556607 or by email TT11@harrogate.gov.uk

 

The closing date for the consultation is 15 December 2008.