Water End has now re-opened to traffic in all directions.
— York Travel (@york_travel) August 21, 2013
York hosts its first ever Sky Ride City event
On Saturday 14 September York will be hosting it’s first big bike ride event, Sky Ride York. In partnership with British Cycling, the City of York Council is hoping this free event will encourage more people in York to get on their bikes and ride for fun.
click for more details
The Sky Ride will take in some of York’s most famous landmarks and picturesque views including Clifford’s Tower, York Minster and Rowntree Park. Residents and visitors will be able to ride the traffic free route from 10:30am until 4pm.
The first 1,000 cyclists that register for Sky Ride York will be entered into a prize draw to win a signed Team Sky jersey. This exclusive prize has been signed by the 2013 Tour de France winner Chris Froome and other members of Team Sky Pro Cycling. To register for Sky Ride York, visit www.goskyride.com/YorkSkyRide.
This summer York residents can also enjoy taking part in a series of free guided bike rides with Sky Ride Local. Guided by friendly British Cycling Ride Leaders along scenic planned routes, they’re a great way to get out and see your local area on two wheels. With different levels, there are rides for all abilities – whether you’re building your confidence or already comfortable on a bike and looking for a challenge. To book you and your family onto one of these fun local bike rides, visit goskyride.com/York
To get more women on their bikes, British Cycling’s Breeze network is also coming to York. Breeze is the biggest programme ever to get more women into riding their bikes for fun. The aim is to help thousands more women feel confident and comfortable about going on a ride, to find out more about Breeze, visit breezebikerides.com
To find out more about cycling in York go to www.york.gov.uk/getyorkcycling
York Council new bus contracts announced
The Council has confirmed that it has accepted tenders for new bus services which will operate from 1st September. The services involved are:
Route 21 Colton to York, via Middlethorpe Grove
Services on this route were retendered and the existing operator, Harrogate Coach Travel (trading as Connexions Bus), has been awarded the contract for the next three years. There will be no changes to the route or timetable. As part of the new contract, Harrogate Coach Travel will be introducing a new vehicle that meets more stringent Euro V emission standards (above the Council’s minimum standard) later in the year.
Route 24 Lindsey Avenue, Ascot Way and St Stephen’s Road to city centre via Acomb Centre (Monday to Saturday);
Route 26 Fordlands Road to South Bank via Broadway and city centre (Monday to Saturday);
Route 27 Heslington Hall to city centre via Broadway (Monday to Saturday);
Route 627 City centre to Fulford School via Heworth (school days);
Route 637 City centre to Archbishop Holgate’s School via Heworth (school days);
Route 647 Foxwood Lane to Manor School (school days).
Services on these routes were retendered and awarded to Arriva Yorkshire for the next three years starting on 2 September. There will be no changes to the routes or timetables. As part of the contract, Arriva Yorkshire will be introducing newer vehicles that meet more stringent Euro V emission standards (above the Council’s minimum standard) on all these routes later in the year.
Routes 35 and X35 Holme-on-Spalding-Moor to city centre
Services on these routes are provided under contract to City of York Council but, as cross-boundary services, with financial contributions from North Yorkshire County and East Riding of Yorkshire Councils. Services on these routes were retendered but the Council has not been able to award a new long-term contract due to a substantial increase in the price from bidders. The Council has reached agreement with Yorkshire Coastliner, which currently provides the service, to extend the current contract for a short period until we can find a more affordable solution for the three authorities. Officers are working with colleagues from neighbouring authorities to come up with an alternative route
First to run new Park and Ride services. Government funds electric buses
First has been awarded York’s Park & Ride (P&R) contract for a further three years.
Working in partnership with the council, First York has successfully operated all five P&R sites for more than 15 years and will continue to do so for another three years.
In addition, one of the city’s principle bus companies has now also been signed-up to operate the new P&R site at Poppleton, which is set to open in 2014.
Vehicles used in York eco bus trial in 2010
As part of the new agreement First will be operating a new electric bus service from the new 600-vehicle facility at Poppleton Bar, which is set to open in Spring 2014. The purchase of the buses has been part funded through the Coalition Government’s Green Bus fund, which awarded £594k to First in May.
Six electric buses are set to be deployed on the York Park & Ride network, though a bid submitted by First York. The new buses will provide cleaner and greener bus journeys for thousands of passengers across the city.
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Huntsman’s Walk footpath petition
Petition being considered on Tuesday
A petition collected last year, which asks for the footpaths in Huntsman’s Walk to be resurfaced, will be considered by the York Council on Tuesday
The petition was organised – by Westfield Liberal Democrats – following a rapid deterioration in the condition of the footpath
The officer report confirms that the path between Tedder Road and Foxwood Lane is in poor condition. It was, however, ranked as only the 96th priority for resurfacing this year.
The petition has now raised the priority of the path to 61st on the waiting list.
The cost of resurfacing the footpath is put at £48,750.
It is likely that the Labour Councillor, who will decide whether to approve the resurfacing, will decide not to give the path a higher priority. It therefore may, or may not, be done next year.
NB. The budget for highway maintenance works was halved when Labour took office at the Guildhall in 2011.
A massive backlog of highways maintenance work is building up.
However Labour have found £600,000 to pay for the introduction of a 20 mph speed limit in west York!
Number 24 bus service saved.
We understand that the Council have let a new contract which will see Arriva run the number 24 bus service.
Existing service 24 click to enlarge
The new service will use the existing route.
Clockwise Ascot Way, St Stephens Road, Askham Lane, Front Street, then Carr Lane, Lindsey Avenue to Railway Station.
The reverse route uses Green Lane. The service is hourly and is scheduled to reach (from Windsor Garth) Acomb, Front Street in 12 minutes and the station in 36 minutes
There has been some criticism of the 24 service in the past because of delays.
Local Liberal Democrats collected a petition asking for the number 24 service – which is subsidised by the Council – to be continued when the existing contract expired in September. The service provides a “lifeline” link for the many elderly residents living in the Windsor Garth/Ascot Way area.
NB. From the end of September, the number 4 will change its route to take in the low numbered end of Gale Lane before turning right into Front Street. It will then loop through Green Lane and Tudor Road to Cornlands Road.
City centre cycle parking consultation results
Many residents will be surprised to find that consultations were taking place about extending cycle parking arrangements in Goodramgate, King Square, Lendal (exiting parking @ Zizzi’s), Lendal (new parking @ Post Office), Castle Museum, Piccadilly (White Swan), Library Square, Micklegate/Bar Lane.
Nevertheless the Council has approved the new sites in another behind closed doors decision session.
Click here for details and photos.
Front Street pelican faulty
Its been a very bad week for traffic in York. Multiple equipment failures, uncoordinated road works and misinformation. Apology needed plus better future planning!
Pelican lights out at Front Street Acomb, proceed with care.
— York Travel (@york_travel) August 14, 2013
Winter maintenance (snow and ice clearance) consultation – more cuts expected
Damaged salt bin Cornlands Road
The Council is asking residents whether it should cut even further the number of salt bins available in the City. They also plan to reduce the number of roads that are gritted (salted).
From Monday 12 August until Sunday 1 September, residents and businesses are invited to complete a three-week consultation on the criteria which is used to help determine how and where the council provides winter maintenance across the city.
To take part in the survey or view the criteria and gritting maps please visit: http://www.york.gov.uk/info/200262/gritting/402/winter_maintenance_services (from Monday 12 August).
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“Sky ride” from Acomb Green – Saturday 24th August 2:00pm
Starting Point Acomb Green, Meet in the North West Corner of the Green opposite The Sun Inn, The Green YO26 5LL
Overall Duration 1 hours 50 mins (1 hours 10 mins cycling)