Photomap

[Image taken 7.2.23] Former Bootham Park Hospital grounds, junction with Bootham, York. [NOTE: No street view at this location] This is part of the Scarborough Bridge to Bootham Park cycle route improvements scheme (see: #177537). The cycle-specific, cycle height lights are now in use. But look how far back the cycle box is – 8.6m (see: #191027). And how massively compromised the sight lines. Anyone waiting and emerging from here cannot see or be seen by road users. (This replicates the situation at Bridge Lane: #167956.) There's speeding, light jumping, u-turns by motorists; and pedestrians are crossing in front of the gates with no warning to look for cycles... It's good the 'large gates' are open. [NOTE: When I have passed at weekends (day times, observations since February 2023 half term) both gates have been open.] (Gates closed: #190998, #190999.) But the blue sign on the left says this is limited to Monday to Friday and between 5am and 11pm. (Second sign: #191000.) The reason for the new crossing was to provide a cycle route linking the hospital and the station. But people work shifts... Plus I am not sure people on cycles trigger the lights. I also think this will be a route popular with families (when they find it). If riding protectively or in 'York' cycles they will need the width these gates provide. Plus, as at other restrictions, I am frustrated people on cycles have to file through one by one and/or that we have to 'turn take' with pedestrians. The restriction is artificial, unnecessary and with limit the convenience and attractiveness of walking, cycling and using a wheelchair or mobility scooter. I find the 'facility' terrifying... lots of movements you can't see, can't control and no sight lines. I don't believe this is safe. Not least as the formal provision of infra – the lights, for example, the sign that suggests it’s been planned – give users the impression they not only have right of way to make whichever movements they need to (turn left #190861, right #190862, or continue over to St Mary’s and the access - currently steps #184900 - to Railway Walk #184897 and from there to the river routes and NCN65 to traffic-free paths to parts of the city or beyond, the rail station or through the station to other areas of York) but that their route will be safe – clear of other users when they do so. If you approach these lights when green from behind the camera position you can be going at quite a clip... Other images here today: #190861, #190862. Other image today and links: #190856.