Consultation launches to improve active travel around Crossgates

Plans aim to create safer and healthier streets and make it more convenient to walk, wheel* and cycle shorter journeys to school, local shops and the centre of Crossgates. 

Government funding of £1.9m has been awarded to develop and deliver the scheme which focuses on Barwick Road, areas of Swarcliffe and Manston, and the Poole Estate.  

Previous feedback highlighted that it can be difficult to cross the road at busy junctions and that existing cycle routes aren’t well connected or signed. Plans aim to address this by making it easier to cross the road, better connecting existing cycle routes, and making the area safer for all road users.  

Proposals include: 

• Two-way segregated cycle track along Barwick Road, connecting to existing cycle links 
• New signalised crossings for pedestrians and cycle users over Seacroft roundabout  
• Wider footways along Barwick Road 
• Safer and more accessible pedestrian crossings throughout the area, including a new zebra crossing between Austhorpe Road and Manston Park 
• Tree planting along Barwick Road and the opportunity for a pocket park along Farm Road 
• Changes to vehicle access to and from Swardale Green – residents will be presented with three options to choose from

The proposed cycle track along Barwick Road will connect to the existing City Connect route, which runs from the city centre towards Seacroft, aiming to improve cycle links in the area. 

The scheme includes some changes to on-street parking along Barwick Road to help make space for footway widening and a new two-way cycle track. 

Councillor Jonathan Pryor, Leeds City Council’s executive member for economy, transport and sustainable development, said: 

“There are a lot of local schools in the area, and we want to make doing the school run, or visits to local shops and amenities safer for everyone. By improving walking and cycling links and making it safer and easier to cross the road, we’re aiming to increase the number of people that choose to travel in greener and healthier ways whilst making the area more accessible. I would encourage anyone in the area to have their say to make sure their voice is heard in the consultation.” 

The scheme is being developed by Leeds City Council in partnership with the West Yorkshire Combined Authority. 

Deputy chair of the West Yorkshire Combined Authority Transport Committee Councillor Peter Carlill said:  

 “We want to build a better-connected West Yorkshire by making it easier to walk, wheel and cycle in our communities.   

"I'd encourage people to have their say, so we can make it easier for people to use more active modes of transport in this part of Leeds." 

Residents, businesses and visitors to the area are encouraged to have their say before the consultation closes on 27 October. People can have their say in the 10-minute survey here, or by attending a drop-in event. 

To request paper copies of the proposals and the survey please contact 0113 336 8868 or email connectingleeds@leeds.gov.uk. 

*Wheeling includes using wheelchairs, mobility scooters, walking aids and travelling with a pram or pushchair.