Leeds is shining as a beacon of sustainable travel, recently hosting the National Modeshift Convention and winning the Business Engagement Project of the Year award. With initiatives like the City Square pedestrian zone and the expansive Leeds City Bikes scheme, the city is transforming into a vibrant, cyclist-friendly hub where active travel is the go-to choice for its residents.
What recent achievements highlight Leeds’ commitment to sustainable travel?
Leeds has achieved national recognition for its sustainable travel initiatives, including hosting the National Modeshift Convention, winning the Business Engagement Project of the Year, and being shortlisted for multiple awards. The city also showcased its transformation into a more pedestrian and cyclist-friendly environment, with developments like the City Square pedestrian zone and the Leeds City Bikes scheme. These efforts reflect Leeds’ vision for a future where active and sustainable travel is the natural choice for residents.
National Recognition Through Modeshift Convention
Leeds’ dedication to promoting sustainable travel has recently garnered national attention, culminating in the city hosting the prestigious National Modeshift Convention. Over the course of two days, the Royal Armouries welcomed 320 delegates who engaged in learning and sharing best practices for encouraging sustainable travel options such as walking, cycling, and the use of public transport. These methods play a pivotal role in transforming public spaces to create accessible, enjoyable travel experiences.
During the event, Leeds City Council officers led educational sessions focused on developing effective residential travel plans. Their objective was to foster community engagement and highlight the broader benefits of active travel, including its positive impacts on health and wellbeing. Furthermore, the convention offered practical experiences through ‘Marching on together with Leeds’ walking tours and ‘Cycle Safaris’ that showcased the city’s enhancements in shared spaces and cycling infrastructure.
As part of the convention’s agenda, attendees explored Leeds’ array of improvements. They experienced the city’s progressive travel infrastructure by riding on Leeds City Bikes, the UK’s largest e-bike scheme, and visiting cyclist-friendly locations. These included the newly designed junction on Meadow Lane and Wellington Place, which boasts exceptional facilities for cyclists, along with a picturesque stretch of the National Cycle Network by the canal.
Local Initiatives Lead to National Accolades
In conjunction with the convention, Leeds achieved significant acclaim during the annual awards, a testament to the city’s commitment to sustainable travel. The council’s collaborative effort with Wellington Place and Hydrock Fore (now Stantec) was awarded the Business Engagement Project of the Year. This accolade recognized their successful implementation of a comprehensive travel plan serving a vibrant community of 80 businesses and over 16,000 employees.
Leeds City Council also received recognition as a finalist in multiple categories. The Influencing Travel Behaviour Team was shortlisted for the Community Engagement Project of the Year, due to its road safety week initiative at Bankside Primary School. Additionally, the council’s partnership with Living Streets and Alwoodley Climate Action was acknowledged as part of Alwoodley Walk to School Week, reflecting their collective efforts in the Team Modeshift Partnership of the Year category.
Councillor Jonathan Pryor, deputy leader and executive member for economy, transport, and sustainable development, underscored the significance of these achievements. In his keynote address, he remarked, “We are immensely proud of our Connecting Leeds transport strategy, and our ambition to be a city where you don’t need a car – everyone has an affordable, accessible, and zero-carbon choice in how they travel.” This vision is encapsulated by the development of healthier streets and communities, emphasizing active travel for short distances and public transport for longer journeys.
The Path Forward for Sustainable Travel in Leeds
Leeds’ efforts to evolve into a sustainable transport city have not gone unnoticed by key figures in the transport planning sector. Ben Plowden, Chair of the Transport Planning Society, praised the city’s clear commitment to this transformation. He expressed eagerness to witness further progress, particularly regarding the adaptation of public spaces and major roads to better accommodate pedestrians, cyclists, and public transport users.
Nick Butler, Modeshift Business Director, echoed this sentiment, highlighting Leeds’ strong commitment to active and sustainable travel as a determining factor for hosting the event in the city. The success of the convention has already led to plans for its return to Leeds on 25 and 26 November of the following year. Butler also reflected on the convention’s theme, ‘Making sustainable travel journeys easier,’ which aligns with the intrinsic human need for convenience and sustainability.
Leeds has showcased its commitment to sustainable travel through various achievements. Notably, the city has transformed City Square into a pedestrian-friendly zone and is currently enhancing connectivity at Leeds City Railway Station for improved pedestrian and cyclist access to the city’s key transport hub. Additionally, the ‘Leeds Streets for All’ initiative and the School Streets programme reflect the city’s ongoing efforts to consult with residents and make travel safer and more accessible, especially in the vicinities of educational institutions.
To summarize, Leeds’ recognition at the National Modeshift Convention is more than a mere accolade; it is a testament to the city’s unwavering commitment to sustainable and active travel. The council’s initiatives, both recognized and ongoing, demonstrate an integrated approach that prioritizes health, community engagement, and environmental sustainability. Through these concerted efforts, Leeds is paving the way towards a future where sustainable travel is not just an option, but the natural choice for its residents.
- Leeds recently hosted the National Modeshift Convention, showcasing its dedication to sustainable travel and winning the Business Engagement Project of the Year award.
- The city has made significant strides in becoming more pedestrian and cyclist-friendly, with notable developments such as the City Square pedestrian zone and the Leeds City Bikes scheme.
- During the convention, Leeds City Council offered educational sessions and practical experiences to engage the community in active travel initiatives, including walking tours and cycling experiences.
- The council received multiple accolades, including recognition for its road safety initiatives and partnerships that promote community engagement in sustainable travel.
- Leeds continues to evolve its transport strategy, aiming for a future where affordable, accessible, and zero-carbon travel options are available, ultimately making sustainable travel the natural choice for residents.