The Council has tweeted today asking people to ensure that any boundary hedges are trimmed back from public roads and paths. They say this will help with “social distancing”.
The Council is right to do so.
Many people will have time to undertake the chore during the bank holiday weekend.
The Council also rightly asks hedge owners to be careful not to disturb any birds which may be nesting in the hedge.
Hedges overgrowing back lanes are a particular issue in some areas
Meanwhile there has been rapid grass growth this week with several verges and amenity areas becoming overgrown. We have reported several.
Some cul de sacs are in need of a “deep clean”Weed growth in Holgate Beck could affect drainage flows during periods of heavy rain
Sections of the media are reporting that buses will not stop to pick up passengers if drivers have a “full” load.
Larger bus shelters may be needed!
Post COVID, and to retain social distancing, that could be as few as 25 people on a double decker bus.
At peak time such services might previously have carried as many as 100 people.
Bus capacity will be reduced by 75% according to First York. Passengers will be counted at they get on and off services with effect from Monday.
With more workers, and some schools, set to add pressure to the transport system in June, clearly some measures need to be taken to ensure that priority is given to those making essential journeys.
One suggestion is that free – or discounted – travel should be restricted to off peak times (10:00am – 3:00pm and after 7:00pm in the evening). This could affect pensioners, children and those using the YoZone card.
Bus screens now need free space indicators
Some officials believe that this would ease capacity issues on public transport particularly if employers and schools stagger arrival/closing times and that as many people as possible continue to “work from home”.
There has also been a suggestion that a new Priority weekly ticket could limit travel to two hour specified slots during the day (morning and evening) to give workers a better chance of finding space on a particular service.
Despite the protests of some ultra pro cycling groups, that the 15,000 or so per day displaced bus passengers should take to their bikes, the reality is that even doubling the numbers cycling to work would scarcely dent the demand pattern for bus services.
A clear plan to avoid the congestion that increased car use would bring to the City is needed and it is needed now. Whatever the solution, bus companies and the council need to get a process in place quickly if chaos is to be avoided.
Meanwhile it has emerged that the Council failed to spend its bus stop improvement budget last year. Despite pleas for “next bus” screens to be installed at busy stops in Acomb, Foxwood and elsewhere, no progress was made.
The budget was underspent by around £45,000.
The screens, and mobile travel apps, need now to be upgraded to show whether spare seats are available on individual services (as already happens with some rail services).
Real time information systems have a vital role to play in avoiding large queues at bus stops at least while social distancing rules are in place.
Weeds overgrowing a bus shelter in Foxwood Lane
Many bus shelters are in poor condition. Some need repainting. Others need panels replacing. Some are regularly overgrown with vegetation. One on Foxwood Lane famously sports a crown of weeds every summer.
Now, ironically, there is a suggestion that “green roofs” should be installed on some shelters to aid biodiversity. (NB. The shelters that are regularly overgrown are located next to the countryside so make little contribution to bee welfare).
These are issues that require prompt attention and a proper dialogue with local residents.
City of York Council is providing more safe spaces for residents to walk and cycle during the Coronavirus pandemic.
In light of the renewed importance of walking and cycling, it’s recognised that there is an opportunity during this crisis to support walking and cycle routes in the city.
York has been highlighted nationally as one of the best cities whose residents and businesses have most adhered to social distancing [according to data from Google].
Some locations with narrow footpaths or areas where there are queues of people outside shops are making it difficult for some residents to social distance safely though. The council has taken on board this feedback and is making changes, where possible.
Bishopthorpe Road is one example of this where additional space has been provided for pedestrians by widening the footway with cones, with further measures now under active consideration, details of which will be announced shortly.
Another route to benefit includes Castle Mills Bridge. The west bound lane over the bridge has been coned off to enable cyclists to use this dedicated space on the road. This provides an enhanced alternative route to the riverside path over Blue Bridge for cyclists.
Cllr Andy D’Agorne, Executive Member for Transport, said:
We know that our residents are doing what is practically possible to follow the national guidance, which has been designed to keep us all safe and slow the spread of the virus.
“We’re hearing from some residents and local businesses that they are finding it hard to stick to social distance guidelines at certain locations in the city, particularly on some narrow footpaths.
Many residents have been making use of wider areas and waiting to allow others to pass. However, to aid residents, we are looking at how we can help residents in adhering to social distancing guidance. In addition to these immediate measures, council officers are also currently exploring how best to respond to these challenges in the medium to long term, and are identifying opportunities to maintain the health benefits of low traffic and improved air quality in whatever the new normal looks like for communities.”
Road safety advice:
It’s important that all road users give pedestrians or cyclists plenty of room when passing them
Motorists should lower their speed and be aware that there is an increase in the number of novice cyclists on York’s roads and pedestrians may move into the road unexpectedly when passing others on the footway
Cyclists must make sure they check the road and signal their intention to other road users, prior to moving their position on the road
Cyclists need to create the distance with other road users, including pedestrians. Drivers should be aware that cyclists may pull out into the middle of the road as they pass pedestrians on the footpath
Pedestrians should take more care to look properly (not just listen), when crossing the road. Just because roads are much quieter, does not mean that there is nothing coming
Motorists should keep an eye on their speed particularly in areas where there are pedestrians and cyclists and where traffic levels are much lower than normal
The UK government advice is to stay local and use open spaces near to your home where possible
Do not travel unnecessarily
You can still go to the park for outdoor exercise once a day but only by yourself or within your household, not in groups
You should keep 2 metres apart from others outside your household at all times when outdoors
Additional advice for commuters, cyclists and pedestrians can be found on the iTravel York website, including details on bus travel and a downloadable cycle/walk map for York
