OVER the last few weeks all the access points to Hob Moor have acquired a strange contraption reminiscent of a cattle press.

The first of these appeared some months back at the entrance towards the end of Kingsway West.

What on earth are these meant to be? Presumably some kind of restrictive/selective access for bikes (access allowed?) and motorbikes (access denied?).

If this is the case then may I humbly suggest that they are totally worthless? Whoever "designed" these must never have used a bike. They do not have any features that facilitate the passage of a bicycle. Indeed they actually considerably hinder transit of most bikes. I do not think the designer could ride a bike.

Roger Hall, Green Lane, Acomb, York.


A City of York Council spokeswoman said: "It became apparent some time ago that the existing anti-motorcycle barriers at Hob Moor were not effective.

"Motorcyclists were frightening the livestock that graze on the land and help maintain its eco system and it was agreed that new measures were required.

"The council has been working with partners in the cycling and motorcycle community to test the new barriers. The general advice is that cyclists should remain on their bikes and ride through at normal speed with their pedals level, though going through the barriers becomes easier with practice."