North Yorkshire County Council is asking residents for their views on proposals for three cycle improvement corridors in Harrogate.

The council has received more than £1million from the Department for Transport’s Active Travel Fund to improve the infrastructure for cyclists and pedestrians.

And proposals would see improvements to the following three areas in Harrogate:

  • A59 (Harrogate Road, Knaresborough) between Badger Mount and Maple Close;
  • Oatlands Drive between Hookstone Road and Knaresborough Road;
  • Victoria Avenue near the County Court, between the A61 (West Park) and Station Parade.

County Councillor Don Mackenzie, Executive Member for Access, said:

“To help us to develop our proposals, we are inviting local people to give us their views on the proposed corridors and potential improvements. Detailed designs will follow, taking account of the feedback we receive, and we will consult further on those later in March.”

The grant, which amounts to £1,011,750, must be spent during the 2021/22 financial year and is earmarked to fund work to the town centres for cyclists and pedestrians, allowing for more space for social distancing.

Cllr Mackenzie added:

“The grant comes with strict conditions. Schemes must be delivered quickly, should reallocate road space from vehicles in favour of cyclists and pedestrians, and offer alternatives to existing, well-used bus routes.

“All 300 schemes put forward were assessed within the limitations of timescale and cost. Many exceeded by large margins the funding available. While this meant that a number of very worthwhile proposals had to be omitted this time, we are confident that there will be many more funding opportunities for them in future.”

People are invited to give their comments by completing an online survey, which will run until 23rd February 2021.

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