More problems with cycle paths

We’ve pointed out before, that the York Council is failing to properly maintain existing cycle paths.

Instead it seems preoccupied with launching new initiatives. Recently many of these have been ill considered and subsequently little used (e.g. the Marygate car park route)

The cycle path from Thanet Road to Foxwood is a case in point.

It has been impeded by a “lego” style barrier near Sherringham Drive for over two years. Despite pleas from the local residents association (who want the traditional style barriers restoring as the current set up allows access by motorcycles) there has been no response from the Council.

Nearby the cycle path itself is now cracking while a few metres away the white line markings have all but worn away.

There still doesn’t seem to be any systematic attempt to identify and repair defects.

Cycle path is now cracking up
Markings and white lines have worn away

Cycle path cleared of obstructions

Its taken a long time, but the cycle path on Tadcaster Road (A1036) has finally been cleared of obstructions. A one metre margin has been cut and the worst of the overgrowing branches have been trimmed.

The Council still needs to apply some weed killer where grass is breaking through tde surface of the path.

There really needs to be an inspection regime put in place to avoid problems in the future on this, and other, dedicated paths.

The Good, the Bad and the Ugly of a Bank Holiday

The Good

Good work by volunteers has seen attractive flower beds established at the Foxwood Community Centre. The beds are “bee friendly”. Residents are being urged to recognise the needs of pollinators when selecting their border plants this year. Lists can be found on the RHS wen site and can be downloaded from these links;

Garden Plants click

Wildflowers click

Most garden centres have now reopened. In addition the Poppleton Community Railway Nursery charity is continuing to offer a service click for their catalogue There will be someone on the nursery at these times Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9.30 to 3.30. and Thursday 9.30 to 1.00. To avoid disappointment you can ring the nursery mobile 07800 501382 or the land line 01904 797623

Flower beds at the Foxwood Community Centre

The Bad

Less impressive has been the response in dealing with obstructions to foot and cycle paths. The Tadcaster Road cycle path has been reported on several occasions. As a result of weed and hedge overgrowth, it has now been reduced to less than 1 metre wide in some places (making “social distancing” more difficult).

Tadcaster Road cycle track obstructed.
Similar problem on another main access route into the City. The path on the A59 near Poppleton is obstructed forcing users to walk or cycle on the highway.

The Ugly

Sadly there has been an increase in fly tipping. Below is a country lane near Tadcaster photographed today (Monday). The tipping has been reported to the Selby District Council.

Catterton Lane

Obstacle removed from York – Selby cycle path

A few weeks ago we reported that a part of a tree had fallen onto to he York – Selby cycle path. It was blocking part of the path and posed a potential hazard at night.

The Council told us that they couldn’t do anything about it so today we trimmed it back

Likely that this peaceful route will become popular with “self isolators” undertaking some unaccompanied exercise over the next few weeks.

  • Tree branches impeding cycle track
  • Cut back today and safer now
We’ve also reported broken glass on the cycle path on Tadcaster Road near Tesco. Hopefully the Council will also sweeping detritus from the adjacent area

Post storm public service issues

River levels are rapidly returning to normal levels now with streets like Skeldergate reopening to traffic.

It will be several hours before the riverside paths are open and cleared of debris

Attention will now turn to how to restore other public services to an acceptable standard

  • Potholes have got worse during the recent weather. They are likely to be even worse in flooded streets
  • The high winds have cased problems with litter drift
  • Dumping at pumping station
  • The condition of several trees is a source of concern. Many need maintenance work
  • Many areas will remain waterlogged for several weeks
  • Request made for cycle path markings to be repainted
  • Time for BT to remove this kiosk (phone no longer working)
  • Speedy work by the Council in planting 3 additional trees on Acomb Wood Drive

Time to spend the cycle budget

More evidence of neglect of our cycle routes. Two of the direction signs on the cycle link between Thanet Road and Sherringham Drive have been removed.

Time to use some of the Councils large cycling budget to get the signs replaced and to get the white lines repainted?

Missing sign at the Thanet Road junction. Delineating while lines have almost disappeared.
Similar problem at the Wains Road link
Anyone getting as far as Sherringham Drive will find the path still covered in weeds with overgrown hedges making progress difficult.

More on weed control in York

The Council has now replied to our complaint about inadequate weed control on public areas this summer.

They candidly accept now that the spraying has not been satisfactory.

They are now commencing a re-spray. The spray will include a colouring agent which will show which areas have received attention.

Weeds on the A59 have not been treated

This will be supplemented by Council staff who will work on areas not included on the contract. The areas near Poppleton on the A59 are a high priority.

Another problem has developed with obstructions to public cycle and footpaths.

Again the path on the A59 is one that is blocked

Path near Poppleton is still blocked
Brambles over growing the cycle path on Tadcaster Road may become a safety issue with darker nights coming.
Bushes are impeding access to the Hob Moor cycle track
Hedges blocking the cycle path at the rear of Hob Stones still haven’t been cut back
Someone has spent some time on this graffiti near the southern by pass
But less time on this!

Long wait for replacement cycle barriers

Residents were promised that new cycle barriers would be provided on the cycle route which links Thanet Road and Sherringham Drive.

“Lego” barriers on cycle path near Sherringham Drive.

The old barriers were removed following damage last year. A temporary replacement (aimed at halting misuse by motorcyclists) was provided in the form of building blocks.

Over 6 months later and they are still there with no communication form the Council about what progress is being made in providing a permanent solution.

Poor customer service from the City of York Council.