Something exciting happened recently: work began on the York Central development to create a safe, inclusive path from the city centre all the way to Holgate, with the new path connecting to the existing cycleway near the Fox Pub.
We believe this new path provides an opportunity to extend York's network of car-free paths further into Acomb, as well as south through Hob Moor into Foxwood, Woodthorpe, and western York.
Please support the Acomb Path by joining our mailing list. We will keep you informed of developments and provide opportunities to get involved as the project progresses.
Proposed Route
Current Top Priorities
Here are the most important next steps in making the Acomb Path a reality.
1. Proper Access Improvements at the York Central Development
The York Central website promised the following features for the new path.
- There will be a new, or improved, footbridge over the railway lines to connect York Central with Holgate Road, using either Wilton Rise or Chancery Rise.
- The footbridge will have a ramp instead of steps to improve accessibility for those with mobility issues, using wheelchairs, prams and buggies and cyclists.
- Improvements will be made to the route to Holgate Road, whether taken along Wilton Rise or provided along Chancery Rise.
Access For Acomb supports Option 2b — a crossing at Chancery Rise via a subway under the railway line.
Option 1 and Option 2A both require significantly more elevation gain to traverse Wilton Rise (about four storeys of climbing). This can be prohibitive to people cycling and wheeling.
In addition to a steep hill, Option 1 requires people cycling and wheeling to climb Wilton Rise on the tarmac amidst faster-moving heavy vehicles. It is not a safe route for families.
Option 2b minimises elevation change and maximises safety for path users.
York Central has proposed an overbridge to cross the railway lines, but we prefer an underbridge. The UK Government’s 2020 update to the guidance for Cycle Infrastructure Design explains why:
[Section 10.8.7] Underbridges have the advantage that cyclists can build up speed on the downward ramp, which helps to carry them up the other side. Overbridges with uphill approach ramps require more effort to cross
An underbridge has a few more advantages:
- It needn’t descend as much as overbridge need ascend. An underbridge must only be deep enough to accommodate a person walking (~2.5 metres), but an overbridge must be high enough to accommodate train cars, high voltage power lines, and a safety margin (~8 metres).
- There’s precedent for underbridges in York. Underbridges cross the railway lines at Little Hob Moor and the Marble Arch.
Access For Acomb seeks to ensure that York Central will deliver on their promise of better access, and that the new route will best serve future users of the Acomb Path.
2024 Update: Network Rail has decided to land the footbridge in the Holgate Community Garden at the end of Upper St Pauls Terrace. This decision is troubling because it misses the opportunity to connect the new path with the existing cycleways on Holgate Rd, and it forces child cyclists into riding in car traffic. While we are sensitive to the small group of local residents' desire for an expansive garden, the safety of neighbours traveling to the city centre must be prioritised over the luxury the garden.
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