You may have noticed a slight change in the Rain Miles post frequency recently (i.e.: it dropped to zero). No? Anyway, it was due to me being away from the internets for a break to the beautiful and ancient city of York in northern England. I should say that it’s not that they don’t have internets in York, it’s just that I didn’t bring any with me.
One observation I made during my time in the city was the high level of “utility” cycling that seems to go on there. Extensive and packed bike racks were visible at the train station, office blocks and other major buildings. I saw plenty of people out and about at all times of day and night (not just commuters), in more or less ordinary clothes, going about their business by bike as if it’s the most normal thing in the world.
 York Minster |
 York City Walls |
 Clifford's Tower |
 A decent haul! |
It was refreshing to see, and it’s not something I see happening here in Belfast.
I don’t know enough about York to guess at why this should be so. There were plenty of the usual cycle lanes along major routes, but have the council implemented other schemes to encourage everyday cycling? Is it just part of the culture of the city? I’d be interested to hear!
I love York, its one of the most beautiful places in the country.
If you ever go there again, you should give us a shout – would have been a nice (long) cycle over to meet you!
As for the question – I can’t answer that – and there weren’t many cyclists about last time I went (about 4 years ago).
I was in York about 2 years ago and I don’t recall seeing that many cyclists or cycle paths then either. That’s why I was wondering if there had been a special effort made by the local authorities to encourage cycling (or discourage car use), and if there were any lessons that could be learned by Belfast City Council or groups such as Belfast Cycle City.
This may answer that question: http://www.york.gov.uk/transport/cycling/cyclingcity/
York – a Cycling City
Cycling City York
York has been designated as a Cycling City from 2008 – 2011.
£3.68m of government funds has been made available to improve facilities for cyclists in the city over this period and get more people cycling. Having this status presents us with a fantastic opportunity to take cycling to a new level in York, setting new standards that we hope other towns and cities will follow.
The aims of the project are all about getting people to want to cycle again; to enable them to cycle through the provision of better facilities; and achieving this through a community-led partnership approach.
We want to get more people cycling more often, and further – and make cycling the first choice of travel for many more residents.
Overall, our key targets are to:
* Increase cycling by 25% on existing levels by 2010
* Generate a 100% increase in children cycling to school
* And increase the number of trips to work by bike by 10%
Our main objectives will be to:
* Fill the gaps in the cycle route network and provide more new routes including a new orbital route to link up many employment and education sites in the city; better signing of the existing network including time based signs; reallocation of more road space to cyclists; and provision of new routes in locations such as Clifton Bridge, Blossom Street and Fulford Road
* Improve the quality and availability of cycle parking, lighting and bike security including a new sheltered city centre cycle park; and a city wide network of cycle hire points
* Increase the numbers of school pupils cycling by increasing cyclist training course capacity; the provision of bikes for children to train on; and out of school cycling activities
* Increase cycling amongst traditionally ‘low participant’ groups such as females, over 45s, teenage girls, school children, those with disabilities or who are economically disadvantaged, through targeting training at ‘lapsed’ cyclists, particularly older people; organising guided rides suitable for all abilities; and the provision of low cost recycled bikes for those economically disadvantaged
* Influence travel to work decisions by helping businesses to improve cycling facilities in the workplace; the provision of better information and online journey planning software for cyclists; and through cycling to work initiatives
* Improve information, marketing and raising the awareness of the benefits of cycling through the development of a new Cycling City website, targeted campaigns to encourage cycling; and an annual family oriented cycling festival.
A recent city-wide consultation, as part of the project, to find out your views on cycling, why people don’t cycle and how we can encourage more people to get on their bikes will help shape our plans for the rest of the project’s lifespan. To find out more information on the project or to register your views please email cycling.city@york.gov.uk
York launched its Cycling City status in December 2008, following successful approval of our project strategy from Cycling England.
York was one of 12 locations in the UK to be awarded Cycling Town or City status in 2008 and fought off competition from 74 other local authorities to win the funding. York joins the existing six Cycling Demonstration Towns, including Darlington and Derby, which have already successfully implemented local cycling initiatives and campaigns and increased the numbers of people cycling.
Ah, thanks Joby. I had a vague notion there was something like this but didn’t know if it applied to York or not.
Having just returned, I can say that the scheme appears to be working!
Let’s hope the City of Manchester take it up too. Gary – get on the case!
And come on Belfast!