Calls for better public transport have resurfaced in Leeds as a major new cycling and walking scheme, designed to link the north and south of the city centre, is set to begin in January.
The council says the £12.76m “transformative” project will change how people move around the city, with new segregated cycle lanes, wider pavements and changes to traffic layouts.
In the northern part of the city centre, there are plans to give more space to people rather than cars. This includes room for outdoor cafés, fewer parking spaces and improved pedestrian crossings.
Further south, streets between Leeds Minster and Shears Yard will be overhauled. A new two-way, segregated cycle track will be added, with one traffic lane being permanently removed.
Leeds Minster (credit: Google)
Some residents are looking forward to the changes. Rachel Lindsay said on X: “Thanks for continuing to invest in cycling. Excited for them to finish.”
However, the announcement has also prompted renewed calls for improvements to public transport and accessibility, particularly after progress on the £2.5bn tram project was delayed and pushed into the late 2030s.
Ryan Alexander Pride said on Facebook that “the centre of Leeds is slowly becoming less and less accessible.
“Getting a train or a bus to turn up on time, or even at all, is equally a nightmare. If you can’t rely on our transport system, and the road system is inadequate, what really is the point?”
Chris Johns added: “Literally anything but transit in Leeds, isn’t it?”
Leeds City Council said the scheme would help improve safety and accessibility as part of wider transport plans for the city.
Councillor Jonathan Pryor, Leeds City Council’s executive member for economy, transport and sustainable development, said: “Leeds City Links is the next major transformation to Leeds City Centre.
“It will create safer, greener and more inclusive spaces that encourage walking and cycling, helping residents move around in sustainable ways while reducing the risk of road deaths and serious injuries, in line with our Vision Zero 2040 strategy, alongside supporting the city’s growth ambitions.”
Vision Zero 2040 aims to end all traffic deaths and serious injuries across West Yorkshire by 2040.
Leeds segregated cycle lane.JPG (credit: Richard Peace)
The project, which is due to start on 5 January and is expected to take more than 12 months, will involve a number of road closures and diversions.
For example, Great George Street will be temporarily closed between Dudley Way and Woodhouse Lane from 26 January for around 11 weeks. The road behind Leeds Town Hall will also be reduced to a single lane.
The project is being funded through the City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement, which the council says is part of wider efforts to invest in public transport, walking and cycling across England.