"A half-hearted effort" vs "It's coming on": YEP readers debate if Leeds is safe for cyclists

Is Leeds a safe city for cyclists, or does it still leave those on two wheels completely exposed?

Following years of extensive, sometimes disruptive roadworks to implement new cycle superhighways across the city, we put the question to our readers on our Facebook page, and as you can imagine, the response was a highly polarised debate that highlights a deep disconnect between city planners, daily commuters, and pedestrians navigating the changing streets.

From navigating ‘floating’ bus stops to calls for registration plates, here is what readers of the Yorkshire Evening Post had to say about the state of the city's roads shared between commuters, pedestrians and cyclists.

'It's better than it was': The cyclist and commuter perspective

For those who regularly navigate Leeds by bike, the consensus is that while things are slowly improving, the execution of the new infrastructure often misses the mark.

Reader Andy Graham noted that progress is visible, though flawed: "It’s coming on. More obviously needs to be done, as many roads are simply not safe at all. But it’s better than it was. The segregated route from Headingley should be a game changer when it’s finished."

He added that focusing future funding on high-demand routes like Meanwood Road should be a priority.

However, others pointed out significant design flaws that make the lanes less appealing than riding on the open road.

Richard Coppell argued: "The cycle lanes are a little half-assed and not fully separated from traffic; minor roads cutting across them, floating bus stops (hazard for pedestrians as well as cyclists). I'm not surprised more cyclists don't use them."

Ross McGibbon agreed, stating that painted lines simply don't offer enough protection: "Most bike lanes are painted dashes. On my commute, drivers drift in and out of them or drive past amazingly close. At night, they have cars parked in them."

For some, the danger extends beyond the infrastructure to the rampant issue of bike theft in the city centre.

Ginikachukwu Nnabuike shared: "How come nobody is talking about how bikes get stolen though? It has been 2 months since my bike got stolen here in Leeds and I am yet to recover it."

Balancing the pavements: The pedestrian perspective

A large portion of the feedback didn't come from cyclists or drivers, but from pedestrians who feel the balance has tipped too far, particularly with the rise of food delivery apps.

"The question should be, ‘Are pedestrians safe from cyclists in Leeds?’" argued Matt Rich, a sentiment echoed by dozens of others who feel the city centre's footpaths have become hazardous.

Mike Carl summarised the frustration with inner-city riding: "Perhaps the real question is: are pedestrians safe from aggressive and inconsiderate cycling and e-bike users? There is hardly an occasion when in town when I don't see examples of this, especially in the evening.

“This gives responsible cyclists a bad name."

Others pointed out that the conflict often happens right at the bus stop. Sheila Sutcliffe described a recent near-miss near the Corn Exchange: "Was a nightmare around the Corn Exchange around 5pm last night. Two stupid men trying to ride through people getting on and off buses 12, 13 and 51. We told them to get on the road but just laughed at us."

Infrastructure and accountability: The view from the road

For many Leeds drivers, the primary source of frustration lies in the sheer cost and disruption of building lanes that they claim sit largely empty.

Paul Fawcett noted the disparity in his local area: "Where I live in Bramley there are purpose-built cycle lanes. I can tell you that possibly 20 per day use them near me."

Oliver Hemingway suggested the money could have been better allocated elsewhere: "Such investment would have been better spent on the road networks. And cameras to police the folk that sit behind the wheel with phone in hand.

“Just my 10p worth as a local Leeds lad” - and it is appreciated, Oliver.

The perceived lack of accountability also led to a wave of comments calling for stricter regulations on cyclists, including mandatory proficiency tests, insurance, and licensing.

Aweis Kahn wrote: "How about having a licence and registration, including insurance for every cyclist using the road network. It's beyond belief how someone can just get on a bike and expect everyone else to look for them."