Figures say cycle superhighway ‘used almost three million times’

The Bradford Leeds Cycle Superhighway has been travelled on nearly three million times since it first opened in 2016, newly released data has suggested.

West Yorkshire Combined Authority (WYCA) said cycle-counting sensors on all bike routes in the region had recorded a total of 13 million journeys over the past decade, with nearly three million on the route linking Bradford all the way through to East Leeds.

WYCA says the new data showed the region had made significant progress on cycling since the Tour De France came to Yorkshire in 2016.

The £39 million Bradford Leeds Cycle Superhighway is one of the new cycle routes that has been built since the Grand Depart, as is the Western Gateway scheme which connects west Leeds and the city centre. The route cuts through West Leeds, including Armley, Bramley, Stanningley, Dawsons Corner and Thornbury.

But critics have said the cycle superhighway is underused and questioned its value for money.

Mayor of West Yorkshire, Tracy Brabin, said: “I’m proud of the progress that’s been made over the last ten years to make it easier to cycle, walk and wheel in West Yorkshire.

“We want to encourage as many people as possible to choose greener ways to travel, to help reduce traffic and emissions as we look to become a net-zero carbon region by 2038.

“Continuing to invest in our cycle lane network is vital for creating a greener, better-connected region that works for everyone.”

Councillor Jonathan Pryor, Leeds City Council’s deputy leader and executive member for economy, transport and sustainable development, said: “We want Leeds to be a city where you don’t need a car.

“Cycle routes in the centre of Leeds today cover over 12 kilometres and we are working closely with the Combined Authority to ensure our growing network, supported by schemes like Leeds City Bikes, encourages safe, connected and sustainable travel. 

“Our reputation as a bike-friendly city has developed really positively in the 10 years since the Grand Depart and long may it continue to do so.”  

The Combined Authority has also provided more than 650 bikes to people in need, funded more than 120 organisations to help people cycle and walk, and seen nearly 18,000 school pupils attend one of its free cycle skills sessions.

And the network of active travel hubs – one-stop shops where people can access all their cycling and walking needs – is set to expand to more than 20 locations this year.

The Combined Authority is also working alongside partners to improve access to cycling for young people and disabled users, as well as providing free adult cycle training sessions across the region.

Reaction to the figures – which the BBC says equates to 800 journeys a day – has been split on social media.

“When are these 800 users a day using these lanes…” one person posted. “The number of people using the one I see daily cannot be more than a handful a week.”

Another added: “No way! The cycle superhighway [is] at the top of our road… I can see this lane from the kitchen window. Peak times two or three. More cyclists on the road due to it being deemed unsafe by them, especially at bus stops and junctions. Someone needs to get to Specsavers… or back to school.”

But another took a different view: “A great, healthy way to get from Farsley to Leeds in about 20 minutes. Money well spent.”

WLD reported in 2019 that the cycle superhighway had recorded just over 1 million trips. In 2021 the figure had risen to 1.7 million.

The famous Grand Depart set off from Leeds in July 2014 and passed through much of West Yorkshire including Huddersfield, Keighley and Otley.

For more information on walking, cycling and wheeling in West Yorkshire can be found here.

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