Photomap

[Added note: Andy has pointed out to me you could get all the way - expending effort and, perhaps using up an individual's limited supply of energy - to these barriers with no obstructions or warning the exit ahead is blocked. Only to not be able to pass through them. Space to turn is limited on the Bootham Stray side of the barriers too.] [Image taken 25.8.21] Entrance/exit Bootham Stray, Alder Way, New Earswick, York. Andy at the second entrance to/exit from Bootham Stray. The one with a York barrier – the low metal ‘n’s in the foreground and a cattle grid. This 'access' / 'exit' point is inaccessible not only to trikes but also to anyone in a wheelchair or mobility scooter; someone with a wheeled walker; people riding cycles with small support wheels either side of a rear wheel; cyclists apprehensive about cattle grids including people with children or adults onboard; cyclists with small feet (for example youngsters); for people in some designs of footwear - and many of us in wet and icy weather when the rungs are slippery; people with heavy cycle luggage - you need to be able to give a good shove off from the York barrier to get across the cattle grid; people with front panniers (or you have to accept they will get damaged); anyone with a trailer... In short, this piece of infrastructure hugely limits who can visit the Stray or use the route for leisure, access to education, mental and physical health, commuting to paid/unpaid work. But it also means some people cannot make journeys unescorted or unsupported. If you need someone to enable you to get through a barrier your options for spontaneity and independent living are hugely limited. It impacts on self-determination, self-confidence... Andy can ride to Ampleforth (see: #173446), but is reliant someone else to be able to get out of York to make that journey and to get home afterwards. Next image today: #173449