Leeds City Council is launching a consultation to improve safety and accessibility along Burley Street, Park Lane, and Westgate by introducing a two-way protected cycle lane, new pedestrian crossings, and better bus access from January 8 to February 5, 2025. This ambitious project, supported by Active Travel England and aimed at reducing traffic collisions, invites community feedback to shape a more inclusive and sustainable travel experience in the heart of Leeds.
What are the planned improvements for Burley Street, Park Lane, and Westgate in Leeds?
The Leeds City Council plans to enhance Burley Street, Park Lane, and Westgate by introducing a two-way protected cycle lane, improving pedestrian crossings with new signalised points, and redesigning critical junctions for better bus accessibility. These changes aim to increase safety, reduce congestion, and support active travel.
Highways and Transport Initiatives
Leeds City Council has initiated a public dialogue, seeking feedback on an ambitious project that targets the heart of the city’s travel infrastructure. From January 8, 2025, to February 5, 2025, insights from residents, businesses, and frequent travelers will be gathered to refine plans for enhancing Burley Street, Park Lane, and Westgate. These plans are rooted in the desire to address several pressing challenges. Residents have long faced congested roads, insufficient pedestrian pathways, and bicycle lanes, not to mention a concerning number of traffic collisions.
The proposed enhancements include the construction of a new two-way segregated cycle lane, advancements to pedestrian crossings, and a redesign of critical junctions. The intention is to create a safer, less car-dependent travel experience. These streets are lifelines for an array of city dwellers, especially students who navigate this corridor daily. They rely on these routes for educational pursuits, social engagements, and work-related commutes. The envisioned improvements aim to bolster both safety and accessibility, aligning with the broader objectives of the city council.
Key Features of the Burley Road to Westgate Project
A detailed list of project features underscores the magnitude of this urban redesign:
– The introduction of a two-way protected cycle lane along essential segments of Burley Street and Westgate. This addition is expected to offer cyclists a more secure and direct route to Leeds city center.
– The installation of new, fully signalised crossings at strategic points, like Park Lane. These will cater to the heavy pedestrian traffic from Leeds Sixth Form College and beyond.
– Bus accessibility improvements are also on the agenda. Junction enhancements and layout modifications aim to alleviate congestion, especially during peak hours.
– The plan includes revamped bus stops, promising a more welcoming environment for commuters.
The project is not simply a set of infrastructural changes but a manifestation of the city’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions and promoting active travel. It is a response to the alarming statistics between 2017 and 2023, where the area saw 63 reported casualties, including 16 serious incidents. This venture is funded by Active Travel England and is a collaborative effort with the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, showcasing a joint commitment to forging safer, greener, and more accessible routes within Leeds.
Connecting Leeds through Active Travel
The voices of Leeds’ residents are crucial in shaping the Burley Road to Westgate project. The city council understands the importance of communal input in ensuring the project addresses the diverse needs of its users. The consultation phase welcomes comments on present issues and suggestions for enhancements. Participants can express their views online through a dedicated portal or via traditional methods like email and phone.
Councillor Jonathan Pryor, a driving force behind these initiatives, has emphasized the significance of this project. He remarks, “The Burley Road to Westgate project is a vital step toward creating safer, more accessible routes for active travel through Leeds. This initiative is part of our commitment to make our city more inclusive, healthy, and sustainable.” Councillor Pryor invites all who tread these streets to voice their opinions and thus contribute to the region’s future.
In similar vein, Cllr Peter Carlill, representing the West Yorkshire Combined Authority Transport Committee, champions the cause. “Safe and accessible travel options are so important for encouraging people to walk, wheel, cycle and take the bus,” he states. His call to action is clear, urging residents to engage with the consultation and help shape the proposals.
Have Your Say
Public participation is the cornerstone of the Burley Road to Westgate project’s success. To facilitate this, a dedicated webpage has been set up for residents and stakeholders to visit and share their perspectives. The consultation webpage, https://westgateconnector.commonplace.is, is designed to be user-friendly, allowing for a seamless feedback process.
For those who prefer or require offline engagement, the council has made provisions. Requests for paper surveys, which include a freepost envelope, can be made through email to connectingleeds@leeds.gov.uk or by calling 0113 336 8868. This inclusive approach ensures that every individual’s voice can be heard, regardless of their access to digital platforms.
By engaging with this initiative, you are contributing to the city’s sustainable future and ensuring that Leeds continues to evolve as a city that puts the safety and wellbeing of its residents first.
- Leeds City Council is launching a consultation to improve safety and accessibility along Burley Street, Park Lane, and Westgate from January 8 to February 5, 2025.
- The proposed improvements include a two-way protected cycle lane, new pedestrian crossings, and better bus access to enhance safety and reduce congestion.
- The project aims to address long-standing issues such as congested roads and insufficient pedestrian pathways, with a focus on reducing traffic collisions.
- Public feedback is encouraged through an online portal and traditional methods, ensuring community involvement in shaping the project.
- The initiative is supported by Active Travel England and is part of a broader commitment to promote active travel and reduce carbon emissions in Leeds.