Is Harrogate on verge of new dawn for cycling lanes

Major steps on the road to Harrogate’s transformation into a cycle-friendly town are to begin in a matter of weeks.
How a segregated cycle lane would look - A vision of a bike-friendly Harrogate. (Image by Zero Carbon Harrogate)How a segregated cycle lane would look - A vision of a bike-friendly Harrogate. (Image by Zero Carbon Harrogate)
How a segregated cycle lane would look - A vision of a bike-friendly Harrogate. (Image by Zero Carbon Harrogate)

Despite controversy over possible pedestrianisation and concern over whether now is the right time to go more ‘green’ or not, next month will see a flurry of activity after months of talking.

Harrogate environmental activists are campaiging for more action and for Harrogate Borough Council to officially declare a Climate Emergency.

But the next few weeks will see the following happen:

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The launch of two public consultations on 'green' measures in Harrogate.

The start of work on the creation of a new pop-up cycle lane in Harrogate.

The partial pedestrianisation of a famous Harrogate town centre shopping street.

A new bid for Government cash to implement environmentally-friendly transport policies.

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Both Harrogate Borough Council and North Yorkshire County Council see the moves as part of a desire to hit carbon emission reduction targets and boost customer confidence as the economy recovers after lockdown.

And Harrogate council’s cabinet member for carbon reduction and sustainability, says it’s part of a long-term shift towards active travel.

Coun Phil Ireland said: “We have ambitious plans to improve air quality and reduce carbon emissions across the district and are committed to working hard to implement the right measures.”

Harrogate council is about to begin a 12-week public consultation on the long-delayed Otley Road fully segregated cycle path, specifically the need to use some grass verges on the route which are currently classified as part of the Stray.

Three options for exchange land that have been identified.

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These options include land at Wetherby Road (rear of the hospital), St James Drive verges or Arthurs Avenue verges.

Coun Ireland said: “In order for a new, safe, segregated cycleway to be implemented on the verges of Otley Road we need to hear people’s views on the land options and byelaw amendments.

"We believe we have identified three suitable options to offer as exchange land and I’d urge residents to share their views."

The new cycle path is part of joint action by North Yorkshire County Council and Harrogate council to improve transport infrastructure in the west of Harrogate.

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These improvements will include smart traffic lights, improvements to the junction of Harlow Moor Road and Otley Road, a new off-road cycle route on Otley Road and new or improved pedestrian crossings.

The county council is not only about to introduce the partial closure of James Street, it is also set to create an experimental cycle lane at Beech Grove linking to Otley Road, as part of the first tranche of cash it won from the Department for Transport’s Emergency Active Travel Fund.

It is awaiting news shortly on its second submission for EATF money with plans for three fully segregated cycle lanes in Harrogate at Oatlands Drive, part of Victoria Avenue and the A59 from Knaresborough to Harrogate Golf Club.

The county council is also expected to begin consulting shortly on the £7.9million Harrogate Gateway scheme from the Government’s Transforming Cities Fund which would see the Station Parade area become an oasis of walking, cycling and public transport.