Leeds City Council is responding to safety concerns about delivery cyclists in the city centre by introducing new signs that encourage cyclists to dismount during peak times, especially in busy areas like Briggate. Alongside this, the council is investing in segregated cycling paths and working with delivery companies to promote safe riding practices, aiming to keep pedestrians safe while supporting local businesses.
What measures is Leeds City Council taking to address safety concerns about delivery cyclists?
Leeds City Council is introducing new signs urging cyclists to dismount during peak times in busy areas to enhance pedestrian safety. They’re also investing in segregated cycling infrastructure and collaborating with delivery companies to educate riders on safe cycling practices. These efforts reflect the council’s commitment to balancing commercial activity and public well-being.
Public Concerns in the City Centre
Leeds City Council is taking steps to address public concerns about the increasing presence of delivery cyclists in the city centre. Amidst the bustling activity of Leeds, with an estimated 60,000 pedestrians navigating the pedestrianised streets like Briggate each day, there’s been a rising sense of unease regarding the speeding e-bikes. The issue at hand is not the presence of the bicycles per se, but rather the speed and volume at which they traverse through pedestrian-heavy areas.
To mitigate these concerns, Leeds City Council is introducing new signage aimed at encouraging cyclists to dismount during peak times. The measure seeks to reduce potential safety risks and increase the comfort level of pedestrians in key shopping districts. While acknowledging the essential role delivery cyclists play in supporting local businesses and catering to the needs of the public, the council insists on the need for a balance to ensure pedestrian safety.
The new signs are part of a broader initiative backed by local legislation designed to limit the use of vehicles in a way that could endanger pedestrians. By introducing these signs, the council intends to gently remind cyclists of their responsibility to dismount when passing through crowded areas – a small change that could significantly enhance public safety.
Council’s Stance on Sustainable Development
The response from the Leeds City Council underscores their commitment to a safe and sustainable urban environment. Councillor Jonathan Pryor, the Deputy Leader and Executive Member for Economy, Transport and Sustainable Development, has made it clear that while the council values the services provided by delivery cyclists, the safety of pedestrians cannot be compromised. “We know that delivery cyclists provide a very important service for local businesses and people in the city, however, it is clear that some pedestrians feel unsafe with the number of delivery cyclists in some of our busiest spaces,” he said.
The council has not only invested in new signage but also prioritized the development of fully segregated cycling infrastructures around the city. This large-scale investment aims to facilitate safer cycling and better manage the interaction between cyclists and pedestrians. Set to expand further in 2025, these infrastructures reflect Leeds City Council’s strategy to foster a balance between necessary commercial activity and the well-being of its citizens.
Moreover, the council works in close collaboration with delivery companies, ensuring that their riders receive adequate information about cycling safely in busy areas. Despite these efforts, the volume of complaints necessitates a more assertive approach, prompting the installation of the new signs in conjunction with the enforcement of existing legislation. Councillor Pryor expressed his hope that these measures will “help keep our city centre safe for pedestrians, without inconveniencing day-to-day cyclists.”
Legislation and Further Information
The introduction of new signage in Leeds is not a standalone measure but is supported by existing legislation that governs the use of public spaces. Leeds’s Public Spaces Protection Orders (PSPOs) are legal tools that help the council manage activities in public areas which could have a detrimental effect on the local community. These orders are designed to ensure that everyone can enjoy public spaces safely and without interference.
Full details of these orders, which underline the city’s commitment to public safety, can be accessed through the Leeds City Council’s official website. For individuals and businesses seeking to understand how these regulations affect them, the council provides comprehensive information at Leeds Public Spaces Protection Orders.
In conclusion, the Leeds City Council’s introduction of new cycling signs is a proactive measure aimed at enhancing public safety. With the backing of local legislation and continued investment in infrastructure, the council is striving to create a harmonious environment that accommodates both the practical needs of delivery services and the safety concerns of pedestrians.
ENDS
- Leeds City Council is implementing new signs to encourage cyclists to dismount during peak times in busy areas to enhance pedestrian safety.
- The council is investing in segregated cycling paths to improve safety and manage interactions between cyclists and pedestrians.
- Councillor Jonathan Pryor emphasized the importance of balancing the needs of delivery cyclists with the safety concerns of pedestrians.
- The introduction of new signage is supported by existing Public Spaces Protection Orders (PSPOs) that govern public space usage in Leeds.
- The council is collaborating with delivery companies to educate riders on safe cycling practices in pedestrian-heavy areas.