Cyclists have reacted with anger today after a key cycle route was closed – and won’t be reopened for almost two years.
The gates are now closed at the Lowther Terrace entrance to the York Station cycle path.
Notices have gone up to say they won’t reopen until late 2025.
For many cyclists, this will mean a long diversion.
The closure is connected to the York Station Gateway development – the £25 million scheme designed to improve access to the station and create new public squares.
Notices near the cycle path state: “From Thursday 14 March these gates will no longer be in use until late 2025.
“This is due to the increase in construction work around the station car park and for the safety of all station users.
“We apologise for any inconvenience caused.”
YorkMix spoke to one cyclist from the South Bank area of the city who was confronted by the closed gates today. “It’s ridiculous,” he said.
“Surely there’s some sort of pedestrian access that we can come up with like a walkway with fencing?
“This is the fastest way from the train station to the south of York – it probably adds an extra ten minutes on my journey, going all the way around.”
More stressful journey
Many York cyclists are concerned that the diversion will force cyclists via an unsafe route.
Sarah Opie asked Network Rail, York Central and City of York Council on X: “As you have decided to close bike access to the station from Lowther Terrace for almost two years what have you put in place for cyclist safety on alternative routes?
“It’s a blackspot for accidents with virtually no cycle infrastructure.”
York Cycle Campaign agreed: “Blossom Street is one of the worst roads in the city for cycling, added to plans to close Leeman Road before an alternative route is built mean an awful lot more people will be deterred from cycling at a time when we need to boost active travel.”
Chloe Mitchell replied: “I work at the station and I come through these gates everyday, I now have a longer and much more stressful journey due to closure of the gates.”
And Laura Outhart added: “I had absolutely no idea. That is a nightmare.”
In reply, York councillor Kallum Taylor said: “LNER have decided to do this, with very little notice. They say safety grounds – but unsure if it’s more convenience. City of York Council are trying to find a solution due to the very points you raise.”