Plans to boost walking, wheeling and cycling in West Yorkshire take a step forward

Safer routes to schools and improvements to greenways and towpaths are amongst plans to boost active travel in West Yorkshire. 

It is part of the West Yorkshire Combined Authority’s ongoing commitment to get more people walking, wheeling and cycling in the region. 

The Combined Authority recently received a £12.8 million funding boost from Active Travel England – and now regional leaders have approved the schemes it will be used for. 

Projects include making streets around schools safer and easier to get around, with two ‘school streets’ sites to be introduced in Bradford, and improved footways, green spaces and junctions near to Ling Bob Primary School and Christ Church Primary School in Halifax. 

Safer routes to school will be implemented in Ackworth and Normanton, whilst better walking and cycling access to schools in Leeds are also part of the plans. 

Funding will also go towards improving the Meltham Greenway, Rochdale Canal towpath in Walsden and walking routes in the Bradford district.  

As well as delivering projects and campaigns to encourage uptake of walking, wheeling and cycling, the investment will also be used to develop schemes for future funding bids to government. 

Mayor of West Yorkshire Tracy Brabin said:

“Choosing walking and cycling for short, everyday journeys has a lasting impact on people’s health, wellbeing and the environment.

“These schemes will benefit people across the region by making active travel a more attractive option and encouraging them to get out and about.

“This is a really important part of creating a better-connected West Yorkshire that works for everyone.” 

Since the Active Travel Fund was introduced, the Combined Authority has been delivering on projects that have brought positive benefits to people across the region.  

There are plans to take this even further as part of a long-term vision for developing walking and cycling networks backed up by a recent active travel pledge signed by Tracy Brabin alongside 11 other mayors. 

The pledge involves transforming the school run by delivering high-quality, safer routes across the country, as well as creating a national active travel network and delivering integrated transport systems that connect walking, wheeling and cycling with buses, trains and trams. 

For more information on the approved schemes, visit: WYCA - Modern Gov.