A CAMPAIGN group in York say they are demanding answers over key infrastructure outside the city railway station.
York Cycle Campaign claimed "completed" bike lanes built as part of the Station Gateway project in Queen Street and parts of Station Road remain shut off and are "full of plastic barriers", forcing cyclists to ride in traffic alongside buses and other vehicles.
The group said it has pressed City of York Council and contractors Sisk for a meeting to help understand the schedule for completion but so far have only been told that just part of the route by the city wall may open later this month.
A council spokesperson said recent paving works in the final phase of the project have been diverting pedestrians into the cycle lane and that opening the majority of them is a priority once this is completed.
The campaign group claimed that work progress has been slow at the station at a time when the good weather would represent a good moment to promote cycling to the station
(Image: York Cycle Campaign)
Robyn Jankel, chair of York Cycle Campaign, said: "The main crossing outside the station has been completed for weeks, yet cyclists are expected to ride on the road in the way of buses, alongside an empty bike lane.
"Regular commuters will confirm that work progress is painfully slow, despite all the fine summer weather which would have been ideal opportunity to promote cycling to the station rather than driving."
Andy Shrimpton, partner at Cycle Heaven, which operates a store at York Station, said: "The work has really affected our customers’ ability to access our business and our own ability to do business.
"Despite being a tenant, we still have little information about when the cycle route and taxi rank changes will take place.
"With the council's targets to get more people to use buses and cycles you would think there would be a clear commitment to get the rest of the cycle route outside the station complete."
The council said its contractor John Sisk and Son is currently in the final phase of works
(Image: York Cycle Campaign)
A City of York Council spokesman said: "We are as keen as everyone to start opening up areas of the site so that people can feel the full benefits of the Station Gateway project.
"We’ve worked hard to maintain access to properties and businesses in the area and are grateful for everyone’s continued patience as we near the conclusion of these highway works.
“Our contractor John Sisk and Son is currently in the final phase of works.
"In recent weeks, paving works have been taking place which at times have blocked off the footpath, diverting pedestrians into the cycle lane.
"Once this stage is complete, it will be safe to begin a phased opening of the cycle routes.
"As these areas open up there will be some temporary arrangements in place until the existing substation can be removed.
“Upcoming inspections will determine a fixed date for opening the majority of the cycle lanes and as soon as we have this information, we’ll publicise it widely.
"This work is a priority for Sisk and for the council and we want residents and visitors to enjoy the finished scheme as soon as possible.”