Cycle superhighway for West Yorkshire

West Yorkshire Combined Authority’s CityConnect team has developed a new safe and segregated nine mile cycle superhighway.

Running from Church Bank in Bradford to Leeds City Centre, the cycle superhighway is the result of a successful bid from the combined authority to the Cycle City Ambition Fund. The route ensures that people feel safe from the traffic conditions that may be intimidating, and thus deter them from cycling.

Councillor Richard Lewis, Leeds City Council executive member for regeneration, transport and planning, said: “It is very pleasing to see the cycle superhighway open. This scheme can help to boost people’s health, ease transport congestion and improve the air quality in Leeds. We want to encourage everyone to give cycling a try and I look forward to the superhighway being well used.”

Cllr Keith Wakefield, Chair of the West Yorkshire Transport Committee, added: “Cycling is a key element of the integrated ‘Metro-style’ transport network that West Yorkshire Combined Authority and the LEP committed to developing in the recently updated Strategic Economic Plan to support and encourage economic growth and job creation.

“Through the CityConnect cycle superhighway, the Combined Authority and its partners are providing people with the first step in a network of improved and new routes that enable people to enjoying those benefits safely.

“Also by providing an environment that encourages more people to cycle, the CityConnect cycle superhighway will also help to reduce congestion and counter rising levels of air pollution, which recent data indicates that up to 700 deaths this year in Leeds alone.”