Case studies

York's stunning £4.2m Millennium Bridge was finally opened by the City's Lord Mayor Coun Shan Braund on April 10, 2001.

The Duke of York gave the structure a royal seal of approval with a visit on May 29, 2001.

What does the local community think?

"The existence of the Millennium Bridge and National Cycle Network Route 65, from the Bridge to York College was a deciding factor in my deciding to apply for a job there. 

I have been working there as a Careers Co-ordinator since November 2001, taking some 20 minutes to cycle each day from my house in Fulford to the college, using the cycle route past the racecourse and across the track. Because of the river, it would take me much longer to catch two buses to get there, or I could drive there in about 15 minutes but unless I got there before 9am there would be nowhere left to park. I prefer to cycle for the chance to get exercise and a spin in the countryside each day.

I’m also a Green Party councillor now, so I like to 'practice what I preach', and I get a cycle allowance for using my bike as the main means of getting about on council duties. New Walk and the Millennium Bridge, plus the route across Walmgate Stray to the University are in my ward, so I can keep an eye on 'my patch' and any residents concerns using my bike. I usually deliver ward newsletters with the aid of a bike laden down with leaflets in the panniers. Going around on a bike is a much better way of meeting people, being able to stop as soon as you spot something such as a broken drain or defective light, or the number of the house you plan to visit. If someone has a problem I prefer to pop round so that they can show me or tell me what is of concern rather than them having to come out to a councillor's surgery on a set day."

Andy D'Agorne York