York council in talks with LNER to overturn ‘nightmare’ cycle path closure

York council officers are in discussions with LNER hoping it will reconsider its decision to close a cycle path next to the station.

As YorkMix revealed on 14 March, the train operator suddenly locked the gates at the Lowther Terrace end of the path and announced the route would not reopen until late 2025.

The Local Democracy Reporting Service now understands that council officers are working to get LNER to reopen the gate.

The decision caused huge dismay, both to the cyclists and pedestrians who regularly used the route. It was derided as “ridiculous” and “a nightmare”.

Cyclists have complained that the closure will mean they will have to commute via Blossom Street, which is “a black spot for accidents with virtually no cycle infrastructure,” according to Sarah Opie via X. 

The justification for the closure is that it is necessary for safety reasons as work continues on  the York Station Gateway development – the £25 million scheme designed to improve access to the station and create new public squares.

There is no date for the gate to reopen and the council’s website states it will be closed “until further notice”.

An LNER spokesperson said: “We continue to work with our partners on the York Station Gateway project, which will transform the area.

“Due to the increase in construction work around the car park and for the safety of all station users, the pedestrian gates at the end of the long-stay car park have been temporarily closed as we explore other options.

“Once delivered, the York Station Gateway project will significantly improve access to the station for everyone, ensuring that all visitors and customers have a special, warm welcome as they arrive in York.”