'More than enough': YEP readers have their say on the growing cycle lane debate in Leeds

The growing number of cycle lanes in Leeds remains a topic of debate.

Leeds has expanded its cycling network by 113 miles over the last decade, according to City Council, featuring major segregated superhighways and city centre connectors.

The expansion has become the centre of growing debate online, and while cyclists have praised the active travel project, others raised concerns that the changes aren’t fully utilised and have forced drivers to seek alternative routes.

With that in mind, here at the Yorkshire Evening Post we asked our readers a simple question: “Are there enough cycle lanes in Leeds right now?” and received over 150 responses. As you can imagine the response was mixed.

“For the number of cyclists actually using them, more than enough,” said Danielle Mistry. This was echoed by James Batchelor who said: “More than enough as none get used by cyclists, they still use the main roads.”

Meanwhile, Patricia Childs asked: “Are there enough cyclists to fill the lanes we already have?” and Russ Carr quiped: “Yes, just missing the bikes now.”

Key routes that have seen cycle lanes added in recent years include, the Leeds to Bradford Cycle Superhighway, the A660 Otley Road lanes, and the Kirkstall Road to Wellington Street Western Gateway track.

The latest scheme in development is at Dawsons Corner, which will see cyclists separated from drivers at the junction that connects the A647 Stanningley Road and the A6120 Ring Road.

It is hoped that the work, which has seen the old roundabout removed and a new through road created, will reduce congestion, improve safety and create better routes for all road users at the busy junction that is by about 57,000 vehicles and 1,200 pedestrians and cyclists.

For some residents however, they have called on Leeds City Council to install a more connected bike route, and better segregation from traffic on busy routes.

Leslie Webb said: “To get people using the cycle paths we need them all to join up and lead everywhere - just like roads. So still a long way to go in Leeds.” This was echoed by Mark Reilly who said: “Cycling infrastructure is too fragmented. Until would be cyclists are sure they can compete their journey in safety it will be a barrier to uptake.”

Sean Harrison added: “Joined up cycle lanes instead of jumping from cycle lane back to road. Cycle lanes need regular maintenance and cleaning too.” While John Staveley called for greater segregation from traffic: “No, need proper cycle segregation from all traffic to make it safe for people cycling.”

Earlier this year, Leeds City Council came under fire after they were forced to make 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 faced criticism, due to its impact on the ability for two buses to pass each other along the route.

Tell us your thoughts on what you would to see change about the city’s existing cycling infrastructure.