Minster Piazza

Liberal Democrat transport spokesperson Ann Reid is to raise safety concerns about cyclists using the new Minster Piazza (Deangate) area.

With the paving project now completed, there has been a notable increase in the numbers of visitors standing on the former carriageway to take photos.

Some cyclists have continued to use the route at relatively high speeds prompting concerns that a potentially serious collision could occur.

Now Ann Reid will ask Cllr Dave Merrett to make the area a pedestrian priority zone.

“Deangate has been a shared use highway for several years but the removal of the carriageway – while improving the environment considerably – has served to highlight a potential conflict between cyclists and pedestrians.

I want to see notices displayed making it clear that cyclists should reduce speed when riding through the area and should be prepared to give way to pedestrians.

The alternative would be to fully pedestrianise that part of Deangate.

That would mean that cyclists would have to wheel their bikes for a few yards”.

Ann has tabled the following question for the Council meeting which is taking place on Thursday.

“In congratulating the Minster Authorities on the success of their York Minster Revealed project, does the Cabinet member share my concern about the conflict between some fast moving cyclists and pedestrians in the new “Minster Piazza” on Deangate?

Would he agree to sign the area as a pedestrian priority zone?”

ironically a cycle race will be routed through Deangate this weekend!

The 2013 British Cycling Men’s and Women’s National Circuit Race Championships that will take place on the city’s historic streets this Sunday 21 July.

Both the men’s and women’s races should be hotly contested with riders such as Olympic champion Ed Clancy and Russell Downing from pro-continental team NetApp-Endura riding. Lucy Garner, double junior world road race champion and Hannah Barnes the winner of the 2013 Johnson Health Tech GP series will be contesting the women’s race.

Residents can join in the on action by signing up to one of the four exclusive Sky Ride Local rides that will be riding into the city centre. When the rides reach the city centre they will then be able to ride a lap of the course that is used for the races, with spectators cheering them along. To sign up to a Sky ride go to www.goskyride.com/york

To ensure the smooth running of the event road closures will be in place for the route. There will be crossing points for pedestrians to cross the course when races are in action. The closures will run from 12 midnight on 21 July until 12 midnight July 22.

Spectators who want to ride their bikes down to the races will be able to securely park them in The Guildhall from 11am until 9:30pm.