Designs unveiled for three Harrogate streets set for cycling and walking upgrades

The schemes are designed to get more people walking and cycling as the district emerges from the pandemic.

New designs have been unveiled for three Harrogate streets set to be overhauled with greater priority for cyclists and pedestrians.

North Yorkshire County Council has published its draft plans for Victoria Avenue, Oatlands Drive and the A59 between Harrogate and Knaresborough for which it won more than £1m as part of the government's active travel fund.

The plans are designed to get more people walking and cycling as the district emerges from the pandemic but a big response to the Oatlands Drive scheme last week saw proposals to make the street one-way scrapped and replaced with other road changes.

These include a 20mph limit, junction improvements and restrictions on cars using St Hilda’s Road and St Winifred’s Drive.

These are the designs for the A59 near Knaresborough.

The proposals for the A59 between Harrogate and Knaresborough include cycle lanes, a 40mph limit between Badger Mount and Maple Close, junction upgrades and improvements to a crossing near Harrogate Golf Club.

And the final scheme for Victoria Avenue involves new cycle lanes and crossings, changes to junctions at West Park and Station Parade, as well a possible staggered zebra crossing and 'floating' bus stop positioned between the road and cycle lanes.

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The designs have been unveiled as part of the second phase of a public consultation on the plans which will run until 12 April.

These are the designs for Oatlands Drive near St Aidan's High School.

Councillor Don Mackenzie, the council's executive member for access, said: "We thank all those residents who took part in the first round of consultation on the outline proposals for these four schemes.

“We have listened to that and are trying to reach a broad consensus about the measures we put in place, given that these directly affect people’s movements and their property. We think we can come up with something that addresses most of the concerns raised, but that still provides significant benefits for people who are cycling and walking.

"We encourage residents to take part in this latest consultation. Your views are important to us and they will help shape the final designs of these four schemes.”

An online event will also be held to discuss the proposals on 29 March between 3pm and 5pm. For more information and to have your say go to www.northyorks.gov.uk/socialdistancingandactivetravel

By Jacob Webster, Local Democracy Reporter