New walking and cycling improvements from Kirkstall Road to the city centre

The latest scheme in a £7.2 million package of walking and cycling improvements across Leeds city centre has opened.

The new cycle track from Kirkstall Road to Wellington Street boosts access for people travelling by bike from west Leeds into the city centre.

The Western Gateway scheme connects with existing cycling routes on the A65, Wellington Street, City Square and beyond and plugs a missing link in the city’s growing network of protected cycle routes separate from busy roads and pedestrian walkways.

Rory Osborne, from Burley, commutes into the city centre by bike along the new section of cycle track. 

He said:

“This new section of route has made a massive difference to my journey.

“There’s lots of traffic and fast-moving vehicles along that stretch. I feel so much more comfortable when I’m segregated from it all and I can just cruise along the cycle lane with confidence.

“It’s been great to see the city’s walking and cycling network evolve so much. Leeds is starting to become an example of what a cycling city can look like and that’s very exciting.”

Councillor Helen Hayden, Leeds City Council’s Executive Member for sustainable development and infrastructure, said:

“I am pleased to see the progress on connecting cycling infrastructure around the city centre.

“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 just one of the projects in delivery to increase the opportunities for cycling, alongside schemes like the Leeds City Bikes and the expansion of the cycling network across Leeds.”

Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire, said:

“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.

“This investment in Leeds city centre is just one of the ways we’re working together to make West Yorkshire an even better place to live and work.”

The improvements are part of a wider programme adding 2.71km of two-way cycle track, wider pavements and new safer crossings for people walking and cycling. This includes the newly completed Crown Point Bridge Gateway and improvements around Sovereign Street.

The schemes are being delivered through the Combined Authority’s Transforming Cities Fund programme, which aims to make it easier to walk, cycle and use public transport.