Path Access

Paths should be accessible by everyone, irrespective of mode of transport and ability. Sadly this is not always the case.

One of our priorities as a charity is for paths to be available to all, and to eliminate barriers.

We will provide a problem reporting process so that people using paths and trails can report access problems that they come across, so that we gradually build up a relatively complete map of access issues. We will then work with land owners to help to remove such barriers.

This does not stop people also reporting problems on North Yorkshire Council paths direct the the council (the obvious drawback with that route is that NYC do not provide an online map showing all of the issues that people have reported … whereas we do).

Barriers to Access Survey 2024

We are doing a survey, alongside Whitby, Scarborough and Ryedale DAG, to gather information about barriers to access for the many paths, trails and rights of way throughout the Whitby and District area. The types of barriers we are immediately thinking of are steps, steep slopes, gates, stiles, etc, things that prevent people using paths. We are particularly interested in barriers for people in wheelchairs, mobility scooters, non-standard cycles, or with prams/pushchairs/buggies.

All data gathered during this survey will be entered onto a map of the district. This has 2 purposes :

firstly so that we have a record of the likely problem areas so that when we can obtain suitable funding we can endeavour to fix some of the problems.
secondly as an information source for people considering a walk/wheel/cycle, and the likely barriers that they may come across.

Once the survey is complete we will provide this (baseline) map and, additionally, an online form whereby people can continue to report such barriers to access and they will be added. Similarly, when a barrier is fixed / removed then it will be removed from the map.

The survey will be open between April 8th and May 31st 2024.

Please share it with family and friends.

Barrier Map

The following map shows all reported (to us) barriers to entry to active travel paths that we are aware of. This map will be updated with all data captured during the Barriers to Access Survey 2024. The barriers to entry are for particular modes of transport only.

A selection of the reported problem areas are presented below.

Stakesby Vale (7) - Approaching Stakesby Vale unadopted road

Stakesby Vale Steps

Series of steps at the Stakesby Vale end of the Bagdale Beck greenspace area, preventing access for wheelchairs, mobility scooters and bicycles.

Calla Beck Entrance

Barrier preventing access to a community greenspace resource. Additionally the path beyond often gets very muddy, limiting the use of the area.

Trod Path gate

Gate on Monks Trod path at end of Anchorage Way, preventing access to wheelchairs, mobility scooters and pushchairs etc.