I had an appointment at the hospital and decided to leave my car at home and cycle instead. I crossed town to Layerthorpe on busy, polluted roads on which most traffic was clearly in excess of speed limits.
More should be done to enforce the law on our city's roads. I joined the cycle path that runs from Layerthorpe to Wigginton Road. It was a joy to ride on this litter and pollution-free route that is also a haven for wildlife.
The path was quite busy and I actually had cheery hellos from several pedestrians, something I would not have got in my car.
I am delighted to find that Vyner Street has been closed to through traffic. At last the residents of this street can enjoy lower pollution and noise levels. I reached the first mini roundabout on Wigginton Road and attempted to enter the hospital by the most direct route.
I was surprised to find there is 'no entry, no cycles' here.
If the hospital is serious about encouraging alternatives to the car surely the layout should be modified to allow cycles to take the most direct route to the main entrance.
I was pleased to find adequate cycle parking close to the entrance. On leaving the hospital I looked for travel information. There seemed to be none.
Given the problems there should be maps and leaflets giving information on public transport. Also, a rank at the entrance where taxis can wait for a fare should be installed.
Before the hospital is allowed to extend their parking, thereby massively increasing pollution, congestion and danger, they must be forced to make life easier for cyclists, provide basic travel information and make provision for taxis.
John Jacoby,
Grange Garth,
York.
Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.
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