YEP readers divided as commuters praise new cycle infrastructure but raise safety and crime fears

A simple question posed to Yorkshire Evening Post readers on Facebook - Is Leeds safe for cyclists? - has sparked a fierce debate across the city, highlighting a deep divide between daily commuters, motorists, and pedestrians.

While experienced cyclists pointed to improving segregated lane networks and time savings over gridlocked traffic, others raised serious concerns regarding driver aggression, bike theft, and connectivity gaps outside the city centre.

Meanwhile, a large contingent of readers flipped the prompt on its head, asking whether pedestrians and motorists feel safe sharing space with cyclists who bypass red lights or ignore newly built cycle superhighways.

Here is what Leeds residents, commuters, and road users had to say.

'You have to have your wits about you': Commuters back city riding

For experienced cycle commuters, navigating Leeds requires defensive riding, proper safety gear, and constant awareness - but many insist the city is manageable.

Daily commuter Kenneth James Higgins III, who has logged over 10,000 miles across 11 years of cycle commuting in Leeds, described the city as relatively safe provided riders take proper precautions.

"You have to have your wits about you, your bicycle in good condition, lights, a helmet, mudguards, decent locks, plus courtesy and common sense," he said. "Most of the time you're left alone as long as you don't deliberately get in the way of motorists."

Rider Ross McGibbon noted that while aggressive driving at rush hour remains an issue, cycling remains the fastest way to get into the city centre.

"Driving in Leeds is aggressive at rush hour compared to elsewhere," he explained, noting he uses a helmet camera to capture dangerous driving. "Despite this, I cover the 11 miles to Leeds quicker than a car at peak time."

Commuter Andy Golborne agreed that cycling infrastructure is moving in the right direction: "I cycle in and out every day. Loads of good cycle infrastructure... Drivers need to be a bit more careful at times, but in general all good."

Infrastructure gaps & taxi frustrations

While readers acknowledged major investments in segregated lanes across the city centre and along the Leeds-Bradford Cycle Superhighway, several highlighted key connectivity gaps in outlying suburbs.

William Gray pointed out that while city centre lanes have improved, suburban routes leave riders vulnerable: "It's a completely different story outside the city centre, at least coming in from Morley. As soon as you're off that 'superhighway' you're basically dumped out onto the road."

Reader Trevor Price echoed similar concerns for East Leeds: "Not enough cycle lanes in East Leeds, including Garforth, Thorpe Park, Cross Gates, Seacroft, and Halton. Need safe cycling paths to the city centre."

Others highlighted daily operational hazards, with reader George Reid pointing out that "taxi drivers stop on the cycle lanes or pull into them when cyclists are using them," while drivers frequently block junction box markings.

Beyond road traffic, readers raised alarm over opportunist crime and targeted muggings - particularly targeting high-value e-bikes along secluded routes.

Lorraine Coates warned: "Depends if you are riding secluded areas such as canals etc. There's been a lot of incidents of muggings for bikes, especially e-bikes."

Fellow reader Jaimes Lewis Moran called for "more bike theft enforcement," while Neale Terry added succinctly that safety often "depends how expensive your bike is."

Motorists and pedestrians speak out

The discussion also drew strong reactions from drivers and pedestrians who argue that safety on Leeds roads is a two-way street.

Bus driver R George Cameron questioned why some cyclists avoid designated paths altogether: "If cyclists don't feel safe, maybe they should use the £100 million cycle lane that Leeds and Bradford council have made for them."

Other readers pointed to problematic riding behaviours, including jumping red lights, riding without lights at night, and weaving through pedestrianized zones.

"It would be safer if they used the numerous cycle lanes," remarked Peter Cunningham, while Lily Bon-Bon Clark added: "Yes if they used the cycle lanes, avoided pedestrian areas, and stuck to the road traffic rules. But unfortunately, I’ve nearly been hit by more bikes than I have cars."

Summing up the delicate balance required on the city's streets, commuter Ian Richards advocated for accountability across all road users: "Those who follow the Highway Code shouldn’t have any issues with other road users who do too."