A local man has welcomed the news that a cycle path will be built between Walkington and Beverley on the Westwood.
Ben Stephenson a family man who is a keen cyclist said common sense prevailed in the end after the cycle path was given the green light by East Riding of Yorkshire Council.
Speaking to HU17.net Ben Stephenson said;
“This is great news, it is good to see common sense prevailed in the end. The frightening question is how much has it cost the tax payer already.”
While the cycle path has been given the green light just because there is a cycle path there may not necessarily mean cyclists will use it, Mr Stephenson said;
“Some cyclists will still use the road because at the end of the day cyclist can. If I’m on my road bike I will probably still use the road because for me it will be the faster option.
“I’d like to think I can hold my own with the traffic and look after myself, however I’m not the only one using it and for less experienced riders or if I have my daughter on the bike then the safer option is there.”
Mr. Stephenson however is concerned that motorists will now think they will own the road once the new cycle lane is constructed, he said;
“This could be the problem now that because such a big deal has been made over the cycle path.”
“Now it’s been approved motorists are going to argue that the road belongs to them
when really we should all remember that the road is for everybody and it’s not a race track.”
“I would like to think if there is a dedicated cycle path that more people will be encouraged to use their bike rather than drive.”
“Although saying that if the path is only used by school children then it’s a result.”
“I have seen more times than I care to when a school kid is biking up the Westwood and they’re getting overtaken when there is traffic coming the other way.”
“Let us hope there is not a stigmata attached to using the path and they use it. I guess as a responsible cyclist I and others should use it and set an example.
“There is now only missing piece to the jigsaw which is a safe and secure place to leave your bike when you are in the town centre.”
Typical cyclist’s attitude ‘ i will use the road because i can !’ hasn’t the cycle path been proposed to make it safer for both cyclists and motorists. will it take a ban on cyclists using roads when there is a cycle path available to make mr Stephenson and his fellow cyclists see sense.