Layout of Whitehall Road cycle lanes revised after criticism over impact on Leeds bus services

Leeds City Council have confirmed they have made refinements to the layout of the Whitehall Road cycle scheme, which has seen the creation of a new segregated bi-directional cycle lane linking from Riverside Way to the toucan crossing on Whitehall Road.

Part of plans to revamp the pedestrian accessibility to the new Whitehall Riverside flats and reduce congestion along the city centre route, the width of the new cycle lanes has faced criticism, due to its impact on the ability for two buses to pass each other along the route.

An authority spokesperson said: “Buses have always been able to pass each other at slow speed along the route. However, following feedback, we have made refinements to the scheme, including adjustments to road markings and kerbing, to improve the layout and overall operation of the corridor.

“The council is reviewing whether any further interventions, including potential changes to speed limit, may be beneficial for safety along the corridor.

“It is difficult to draw firm conclusions in relation to journey times, as the route changes haven’t been in for very long and we do not yet have data that allows us to compare journey times with the same period as in previous years. The initial monitoring suggests only small increases in journey times – on average around one minute throughout the day, and around three minutes inbound around 10am-4pm.”

Completing the link between Spence Lane and Riverside Way, the original layout was designed in line with national guidance, with extensive consultation, including engagement with bus operators and has been road safety audited. It is aimed at supporting sustainable travel, improve safety, and reduce congestion.

Decisions about bus routes are made commercially by the operators through a formal process involving the West Yorkshire Combined Authority and the Traffic Commissioner. Some services were rerouted from Whitehall Road and now access the city via Armley Gyratory, Wellington Road and Wellington Street. The park and ride service to Elland Road continues to use this route.