66% Supported Modal Filters on Beech Grove – But NYCC Refuses to Reinstate Them
North Yorkshire County Council (NYCC) is refusing to reinstate the modal filters on Beech Grove, despite public support for the scheme.
Autumn 2022 Consultation
NYCC held a consultation in October/November 2022, on Otley Road and Beech Grove.
The results were published in February 2023. For Beech Grove the responses were:
| For or Against | Number |
|---|---|
| For a scheme on Beech Grove | 99 people |
| Against a scheme on Beech Grove | 86 people |
(Responses that NYCC categorise as ‘lack of understanding’ or ‘inconclusive’ are excluded).
Of the people with an opinion:
- 54% were in favour of a scheme on Beech Grove and
- 46% were against
Spring 2021 Consultation
When the scheme was first put in place in February 2021, a consultation was held for 6 months. We now, finally, have the results.
In total there were 148 messages of support or objections. I have excluded neutral comments from the figures. They break down as follows:
- 98 messages of support for the modal filters and
- 50 objections
This translates to 66% in favour and 34% against.
Those figures come from here:
Comments About Beech Grove
Some people wrote inspiring comments about Beech Grove in their responses to the latest consultation.
‘Please reinstate Beech Grove as an access only road which provided lovely benefits for cycling and walkers enjoying the Stray.’
comment in the autumn 2022 consultation
‘The Beech Grove modal filters were excellent for cycling and walking in the area when they were placed, and I was dismayed when they were removed – it has become significantly less safe and pleasant to use that area now for active travel.’
comment in the autumn 2022 consultation
‘I am a regular commuter cyclist and really value plans to encourage active travel and make it safer.’
comment in the autumn 2022 consultation
‘The modal filters on Beech Grove and Lancaster Road were a success by the end of the trial. People had got used to it and it still allowed for parking. The whole area felt much safer and enabling cycling down Otley Road and in towards town easier.’
comment in the autumn 2022 consultation
‘In view of the current climate crisis, I would like to see many more initiatives which make walking, running and cycling safer and more attractive. This will only happen if they are joined up and are not stopped because of a few loud voices of protest from people who just want to drive their cars everywhere. I am also a driver, but am prepared to drive less and take better care of the planet.’
comment in the autumn 2022 consultation
‘I very frequently cycle from Pannal Ash into Harrogate town centre along Otley Road and Beech Grove…Beech Grove was a delight for several months with the modal filters preventing through traffic and providing safe passage for cyclists. Once the modal filters were removed, Beech Grove became a danger zone once again. With parked cars on one side, the remaining road space is not wide enough for cars in opposite directions to pass, so when they can, motorists speed past the parked cars as fast as they can, and rarely show courtesy or regard for the safety of cyclists – even for young children!’
comment in the autumn 2022 consultation
Despite these comments and many more, Executive Member for Transport Cllr Keane Duncan told the local paper that:
‘None of the options have found significant favour with members of the public, including pedestrians and cyclists. That for me is quite striking.’
cllr keane duncan
Was he looking at the wrong consultation results?
Close Passes on Beech Grove
Every time you ride a bike on Beech Grove you will be close passed by one or more drivers.
North Yorkshire is failing in the most basic duty of a highways authority – to keep road users safe.