PROPOSALS for cycle routes in a pedestrianised area of York have been welcomed by the city’s cycling champion.

As reported in The Press, City of York Council is considering introducing cross city centre cycle paths and improving the appearance of the pedestrianised streets.

York’s cycling champion and Green Party councillor Andy D’Agorne said the plans to review the pedestrianised streets “would be very welcome”.

Coun D’Agorne said: “A more consistent approach with simpler hours of operation, clearly delineated routes for delivery vehicles, disabled drivers and cyclists and less street clutter would be very welcome.”

The plans have caused concern among a lobby group for the blind, as it feels the inclusion of cycle lanes in pedestrian areas of the city could cause intimidation and fear among blind and elderly pedestrians.

Mary Fairbrother, of York Blind and Partially Sighted Society, said cyclists were a cause for concern for the partially-sighted.

She said: “Cyclists can be very unnerving for blind and partially- sighted people as they make no noise and come very close. Almost certainly this will cause some people to become so concerned and nervous that they will cease to come into the centre of York.”

Coun D’Agorne said a study by Cycling England found “accidents between pedestrians and cyclists were very rarely generated in pedestrian areas”.

He said: “Although there is understandable concern among elderly and disabled groups about cyclists mixing with pedestrians, evidence from around the UK shows there are very few accidents in shared spaces and most cyclists will walk when the street becomes very congested.”

Central York was pedestrianised in 1987, and the council has received requests from businesses wanting the zone to expand to include streets such as Fossgate.

It is not yet known which streets are affected by the cycle route proposals, but the council’s executive member for city strategy, Coun Steve Galloway, said they would not affect the busier streets in the centre.

“There’s no question of putting them through busy streets like Coney Street – it would be areas like Blake Street,” he said.

The council will discuss the plans at a meeting on May 11.