Photomap

[UPDATE 17.1.23: The route is clear of signs again] [Image taken 10.12.22] Foss Islands Path, York. [NOTE: Location on street view approximate.] Contradictory messages. Cyclists? We came along this motor traffic-free path at around 15.00 on Friday – it was still light. Together with a couple of other people n cycles we looked at the park ‘open’ barricade and the signs: “Footpath closed”2. “Pedestrians”. As is, I’m going to use the word ‘always’, As is always the case when ‘greenways’, Sustrans routes, motor traffic-free routes, shared use routes, etc, around this city are closed, the signage is ‘pedestrian’-specific. When it comes to off-road/segregated routes, people on cycles do not exist. If we don’t exist we don’t need to be catered for. However, Foss Islands Path is a key commuting, education, leisure, sociable, shopping, etc, route for people on cycles including with disabilities including cognitive. The other issue is that if you use former rail lines like this all too often neither the streets off it nor places nearby you might want to go, ‘local shops’ for example are signposted. In short, many, likely most users, will not know the names of the streets off it. Fifth Avenue? Melrosegate? Neither means anything to me. If you do exit here, as our group who did not know each other did, the route off it is uphill and narrow with a narrow gap goo.gl/maps/AfY2RzRwRi7GpKUj9 so you have to walk. Further the parallel street (I didn’t see a road sign) does not feel cycle-friendly. Lots of parked cars to wind in and out of and avoid possible door opening. The junction at the end is not easy: goo.gl/maps/tucgUzeaQbfDErU8A. The motor traffic crossing at right angles is fast and there’s a blind summit to the right. There was no diversion signage for Foss Island Path users. There was nothing to say we could rejoin the Path over the other side of it. In fact, we did know there was an access point. But it’s not obvious: goo.gl/maps/JDJuqBC3DUoSc2AD9 Other images this issue today (northern end): #188678, #188679, #188680, (southern end): #188681, #188682, #188681. Other image today and links: #188672.