The city of Leeds has unveiled a new cycle track from Kirkstall Road to Wellington Street, part of a £7.2 million investment to improve connectivity and safety for cyclists. This initiative, forming part of the Western Gateway scheme, includes expanded pedestrian pathways and new crossings, enhancing the overall urban landscape and promoting sustainable transport options.
What are the new walking and cycling improvements in Leeds?
The city of Leeds has introduced a new cycle track from Kirkstall Road to Wellington Street as part of a £7.2 million investment. This track enhances safety and connectivity for cyclists, linking to other routes and forming part of the broader Western Gateway scheme. Additional improvements include 2.71 kilometres of two-way cycle track, expanded pedestrian pathways, and new crossings.
Connectivity Boost for Leeds Cyclists
The city of Leeds has recently celebrated the opening of a significant new addition to its cycling and pedestrian infrastructure. A scheme, forming part of a £7.2 million investment, has introduced a new cycle track connecting Kirkstall Road to Wellington Street, facilitating safer and more efficient travel for those commuting from west Leeds into the heart of the city. This initiative is a key element of the broader Western Gateway scheme, which strategically links with other established routes on the A65 and beyond, including Wellington Street and City Square.
Residents of Leeds will notice the impact on their daily commute, as the new track extends the city’s growing network of protected cycle routes. These pathways are meticulously designed to be separate from the bustling traffic and crowded pedestrian areas, providing a tranquil and secure passage for cyclists. Local cyclist Rory Osborne, who regularly commutes from Burley into the city centre, expressed his appreciation for the new cycle lane: “This new section of route has made a massive difference to my journey,” he remarked. “I feel so much more comfortable when I’m segregated from it all and I can just cruise along the cycle lane with confidence.”
Commitment to Sustainable Development
Leeds City Council’s continued focus on sustainable development is evident in their support for this new cycling infrastructure. Councillor Helen Hayden, Executive Member for sustainable development and infrastructure, acknowledges the importance of safety in encouraging cycling within the city: “It is important that people feel safe when making trips by bike to and from the city, and, by laying the foundations for safer journeys, more people will be able to try cycling as an alternative for getting around.” This is only one facet of a wider approach to enhance cycling opportunities, which includes initiatives like the Leeds City Bikes scheme and a broader expansion of the cycling network across Leeds.
Mayor Tracy Brabin of West Yorkshire also underscored the value of such improvements in the context of regional connectivity: “A reliable and inclusive transport network, which prioritises cycling, walking and public transport, is key to our plans for a stronger and better-connected region.” She commended the investment in Leeds city centre as an integral part of a collaborative effort to uplift the quality of life for West Yorkshire residents.
A Safer and More Connected Cityscape
Beyond the immediate advantages presented by the cycle track from Kirkstall Road, there are additional enhancements contributing to the city’s transformation. The improvement programme includes the construction of 2.71 kilometres of two-way cycle track, expansion of pedestrian pathways, and the establishment of new crossings designed to prioritize the safety of those walking and cycling. The recently completed Crown Point Bridge Gateway and developments around Sovereign Street exemplify the progress being made in this area.
The delivery of these schemes is orchestrated through the Combined Authority’s Transforming Cities Fund programme. The fundamental aim is to simplify access to walking and cycling routes as well as public transport, supporting a vision for a city and region where active travel is encouraged and facilitated. The new infrastructure serves as a vital step towards a more environmentally friendly and health-conscious urban environment, inviting citizens to reimagine their daily travel and embrace the benefits of a more active lifestyle.
The collective efforts of city planners, government officials, and the community at large are culminating in a redefined Leeds cityscape, one that values the well-being and safety of its residents. With continued support and engagement from the public, these improvements signal a positive change in the way people move around the city, setting Leeds on course to become a model for urban sustainability and connectivity.
- Leeds has introduced a new cycle track from Kirkstall Road to Wellington Street as part of a £7.2 million investment.
- The track enhances safety and connectivity for cyclists, linking to other routes and forming part of the broader Western Gateway scheme.
- Additional improvements include 2.71 kilometres of two-way cycle track, expanded pedestrian pathways, and new crossings.
- The new infrastructure supports a vision for a city and region where active travel is encouraged and facilitated.
- These improvements signal a positive change in the way people move around the city, setting Leeds on course to become a model for urban sustainability and connectivity.