The York Narrative

To help businesses safely reopen the city post coronavirus, the council has developed a strategy which will focus on:

Prioritising active travel (including cycling and walking) by investing in and improving park and cycle sites, increased cycle parking and new cycle routes
Providing a short term approach to car travel including incentivised short stay parking in some of the city centre car parks
Maintaining confidence in and responding to the short term reduction in capacity on public transport – by working with bus and rail operators to ensure people can continue to use public transport with confidence
Creating a people focussed city centre including increasing the city centre foot streets and public spaces to create an attractive environment that people can visit with confidence with space to social distance

The council will deliver these measures at pace to best accelerate the recovery of the economy, allowing doors to open safely in June whilst protecting residents’ safety.

Residents will be able to give feedback about the plan once measures are in place by participating in the city-wide consultation “Our Big Conversation” helping to set a long-term vision for the city.

The new strategy aims to ensure that York is a robust, sustainable and profitable destination that focuses on the enjoyment of the city for all.

How does the Visit York Tourism Strategy support the York Narrative? Here's some examples...

MAKING HISTORY EVERYDAY

The council is working with partners across the city to develop a long-term vision for the city. In the meantime, building on a history of change, the council will make travel and public space changes to the way businesses can adapt following the impact of coronavirus.

PRIORITISING HUMAN EXPERIENCE

The strategy puts people first. Whether active travel, moving through the city centre or how the council is encouraging everyone to be part of keeping the city safe, the strategy is all about residents and visitors having a positive and safe experience.

PIONEERING WITH PURPOSE

The strategy is trialling different ways of managing the flow of traffic, encouraging increased use of active travel, and different uses of public space to better support local businesses, with the aim of both strengthening the economy and protecting people’s health.