York Cycling Plans to be Published this Autumn

York’s cycling plans are to be published this Autumn.

The information comes from a York Cycle Campaign post, after the campaign had a chat with its former Chair, Kate Ravilious. She is now Executive Member for Environment and Climate Emergency on York Council.

The Labour Party won a majority at the May 2023 council elections, and now forms the Executive.

Cllr Ravilious job-shares the Environment and Climate role with Cllr Jenny Kent. They will work closely with Executive colleagues holding other portfolios, including transport.

LTP and LCWIP

The new Council Executive sees transport and climate change as inextricably linked. York’s Climate Change Strategy envisages a 71% cut in transport emissions by 2030.

This could be achieved by a 20% reduction in car use, and big increases in active travel and bus passenger numbers.

Cllr Ravilious told the cycle campaign that the Council Executive is currently drawing up a Local Transport Plan (LTP) and Local Cycling & Walking Infrastructure Plan (LCWIP). (Drafts already existed under the old Lib Dem/Green coalition).

There will be a public consultation on the LTP and LCWIP this Autumn.

‘Currently many residents, businesses and visitors to York find themselves car-dependent: alternative options don’t exist, aren’t economically viable, or don’t feel safe enough.

Our transport plan needs to change that and provide more people with the option of walking, wheeling, cycling or taking the bus. This will form a crucial part of reducing carbon emissions for the city over the coming years.’

cllr kate ravilious

Practical Plans for Active Travel

Asked what practical plans the Council has for active travel, Cllr Ravilious said:

‘We need to take a more strategic approach and work towards creating a joined-up cycling and walking network that is safe and accessible for everyone.

As soon as we have developed our LTP and LCWIP we are going to develop a more detailed Movement Plan which will consider all modes of transport, be it walking, wheeling, cycling, scooting, using the bus or driving a car.’

cllr kate ravilious

It sounds as though it is too early for the new administration to commit to detailed practical plans, but these will need to come soon.

Active Travel England

Asked about Active Travel England (ATE), Cllr Ravilious said that the government has made swingeing cuts to its budget. This is unhelpful and will limit the extent to which ATE can support local authorities like York.

The Council Executive has had meetings with ATE and discussed the idea of training Council officers.