Residents who petitioned the council for a shared cycle/pedestrian path on Crichton Avenue look set for a wait, a council officer report has said. Residents have been concerned for the safety of the many cyclists that use the busy route near to York Hospital and Nestle, and feel improvements on Crichton Avenue are needed.

Clifton councillor Helen Douglas presented the petition to council in September on behalf of residents. She said:

"The officer report indicates a wider area needs to be reviewed as part of the council's commitment to decent cycling facilities in this area. I'm pleased this is the case. Although it looks like this fuller review will take longer, I think it is important in terms of looking at what is a major access route into Clifton.

"It is used by buses and is used by motorists not wishing to get stuck in traffic on Gillygate. It is unfortunate residents will have to wait for action on Crichton Avenue but I welcome it as a wider part of the city's strategy to tackle traffic congestion, reducing carbon emissions and improving safety for cyclists".

"In terms of the problem of cyclists rejoining the carriageway at the Burton Stone Lane junction, I would have thought a simple give way sign for cyclists would let them know to wait for their own safety"'

Labour's spokesperson for City Strategy, Coun. Ruth Potter said, "I'm pleased Councillor Douglas's petition has moved this scheme up the agenda and look forward to some progress early in 2009".