The Crown Point Road area in Leeds has introduced over 1km of protected cycle track and pedestrian areas, enhancing urban mobility and connecting the city’s south-east to local developments. These enhancements offer a scenic, sustainable travel option, economic growth potential, and support Leeds’ targets to increase walking and cycling by 2030.
What are the new cycling and pedestrian enhancements at Crown Point Road in Leeds?
The Crown Point Road area in Leeds has introduced over 1km of protected cycle track and pedestrian areas, improving urban mobility and connecting the city’s south-east to local developments. These enhancements offer a scenic, sustainable travel option, economic growth potential, and support Leeds’ targets to increase walking and cycling by 2030.
Enhancing Urban Mobility
Leeds is experiencing a transformative moment in its approach to urban transportation. The completion of works to improve walking and cycling connections over the River Aire is a game changer for residents and visitors alike. With the introduction of over 1km of protected cycle track over the Crown Point Bridge, Crown Point Road, and Black Bull Street, the Crown Point Bridge Gateway scheme is setting a new standard for mobility in the city. This scheme is not only a win for cycling enthusiasts but also for anyone looking to enjoy the scenic route over the river, providing a greener, healthier way to travel.
The ambition behind these improvements is clear and commendable. By encouraging more people to walk, wheel, or cycle, especially for shorter journeys, Leeds is making a strong commitment to sustainability. The new cycle tracks and pedestrian areas are expected to significantly boost connectivity to the south-east of the city, linking local education centers and burgeoning new developments in the south bank. This initiative not only promotes an active lifestyle but also serves as a catalyst for economic growth, as increased foot traffic can lead to a thriving local economy.
Moreover, such projects offer a multitude of training and employment opportunities to local students. Joshua, an apprentice traffic engineer, shared his firsthand experience working on the scheme: “As an apprentice, I had the opportunity to be involved in the construction of the scheme along Crown Point Bridge and Black Bull Street.” Joshua’s role was to assist an experienced traffic engineer in supervising the construction, a testament to the city’s investment in the next generation of professionals. He added, “I also gained valuable skills and knowledge that will help me in my future career as a traffic engineer and support my studying at Leeds College of Building.”
Bridging Gaps in the Cycle Network
The Crown Point Bridge Gateway is not an isolated project but rather a key piece in a larger puzzle. It’s part of a comprehensive package of works aiming to fill the missing links in Leeds’ existing cycle network. A substantial expansion is underway, with 2.71km of two-way protected cycle track being added. This expansion is set to create wider pavements and new, safer crossings, directly impacting the city’s accessibility and safety for pedestrians and cyclists.
Leeds City Council has set ambitious targets to increase walking by 33% and cycling by 400% by the year 2030. Steps towards these targets are already visible, with an uptick in both walking and cycling journeys in the city centre reported over the previous year. Moreover, with the inclusion of direct cycle routes to key locations such as Hunslet, Elland Road, and the White Rose Shopping Centre, the cycle network’s growth is poised to offer viable alternatives to car travel for city commuters and visitors.
Councillor Helen Hayden, executive member for sustainable development and infrastructure, expressed her enthusiasm for the project’s completion: “I am thrilled to see the finished improvements to the Crown Point Bridge Gateway and it provides a vital route into the city which is already well used by commuters and cycle users.” Councillor Hayden also acknowledged the patience of the public during the construction phase, noting, “We’re making good progress with our targets to increase walking and cycling in the city and schemes like this give even more people the opportunity to try alternative methods of travel for getting around.”
A Growing Network and a Sustainable Future
The Leeds City Bikes scheme represents another forward step in the city’s journey towards a sustainable future. With e-bike docking stations situated close to the newly improved routes, the scheme offers fully electric bikes for hire, adding a convenient and eco-friendly option for city travel. These initiatives demonstrate how Leeds is harnessing technology and infrastructure to create a more resilient and environmentally conscious urban space.
Both the e-bike hire scheme and the cycle network improvements are collaborative efforts between Leeds City Council and the West Yorkshire Combined Authority. Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire, underlined the significance of these projects for the entire region: “This investment in Leeds city centre is just one of the ways we’re working together to make West Yorkshire a better place to live and work,” Mayor Brabin said. She highlighted the importance of a reliable and inclusive transport network and added, “A stronger and better-connected region lies in our ability to embed cycling and walking into our everyday lives.”
Other schemes within the cycling network improvements package that are either under construction or nearing completion include:
- Western Gateway – From Kirkstall Road to Wellington Street (A65)
- Dewsbury Road Connector – Covering Dewsbury Road and Parkfield Street
- Southern Gateway – Encompassing Neville Street and Sovereign Street
These projects are part of the Combined Authority’s Transforming Cities Fund programme, which aims to make it easier for the public to walk, cycle, and use public transport. The overall goal is to develop a transportation network that not only meets today’s needs but is also adaptable to the demands of the future. With continued investment and community support, Leeds is well on its way to becoming a model city for sustainable transport in the UK.
- The Crown Point Road area in Leeds has introduced over 1km of protected cycle track and pedestrian areas, improving urban mobility and connecting the city’s south-east to local developments.
- These enhancements offer a scenic, sustainable travel option and support Leeds’ targets to increase walking and cycling by 2030.
- The improvements are part of a larger project to fill the missing links in Leeds’ existing cycle network, with 2.71km of two-way protected cycle track being added.
- The project aims to boost connectivity to the south-east of the city and promote economic growth by increasing foot traffic in the area.
- Leeds City Council has set ambitious targets to increase walking by 33% and cycling by 400% by 2030, and these improvements are steps towards achieving those targets.