Hedging their bets

12:48pm Saturday 5th July 2008

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I READ with interest (The Press, June 26) about the proposal to remove 20 yards of hedgerow alongside the York-Selby cycle path in response to the tragic death of Ruby Milnes.

When I first heard about this accident, I assumed it had happened as a result of a vehicle, as they frequently do, using this crossing point as a turning circle. This has resulted in an eroded area of loose gravel, although no measures appear to be proposed to stop this potential hazard to cyclists.

Sadly as a result of this death, there is now a proliferation of new signs for drivers and cyclists drawing attention to this crossing point.

No driver of a motor vehicle has ever been killed as a result of being hit by a cyclist, but the opposite is not the case. Considering the infrequent use of this private access road by delivery lorries contrasted with the large number of cyclists who daily use the cycle path, it ought to follow that the right of way at this crossing should be with cyclists.

A speed hump obliging motor vehicles to slow down is required, plus, at the north side of this crossing point, a fence or bollards along the west of the cycle path, to stop motor vehicles using it as a turning circle. Removing a length of hedgerow may allow councillors to pat themselves on the back, by having made something “seen to be done”. But surely if the hedge is to be pulled-up completely, roots and all, a stout fence will still be needed here.

It would be more practical to keep the hedge cut and trimmed twice a year, at about four feet in height, and concentrate on slowing down motor vehicles at the crossing point.

Terry Finnemore, Levisham Street, York.