Local residents, schools and businesses in Leeds are being asked to feedback on proposals to improve walking and cycling routes around the Crossgates area.
Leeds City Council aims to create safer and healthier streets and make it more convenient to walk, wheel (denoted by wheelchairs, mobility scooters, walking aids and travelling with a pram or pushchair) and cycle shorter journeys to school, local shops and the centre of Crossgates.
Government funding of £1.9m has been awarded to develop and deliver the scheme which focuses on Barwick Road, areas of Swarcliffe and Manston, and the Poole Estate.
Previous feedback highlighted that it can be difficult to cross the road at busy junctions and that existing cycle routes aren’t well connected or signed.
Plans aim to address this by making it easier to cross the road, better connecting existing cycle routes, and making the area safer for all road users.
Proposals include:
- Two-way segregated cycle track along Barwick Road, connecting to existing cycle links
- New signalised crossings for pedestrians and cycle users over Seacroft roundabout
- Wider footways along Barwick Road
- Safer and more accessible pedestrian crossings throughout the area, including a new zebra crossing between Austhorpe Road and Manston Park
- Tree planting along Barwick Road and the opportunity for a pocket park along Farm Road
- Changes to vehicle access to and from Swardale Green – residents will be presented with three options to choose from
The proposed cycle track along Barwick Road will connect to the existing City Connect route, which runs from the city centre towards Seacroft, aiming to improve cycle links in the area.
The scheme includes some changes to on-street parking along Barwick Road to help make space for footway widening and a new two-way cycle track.
Deputy chair of the West Yorkshire Combined Authority transport committee, Peter Carlill, said: “We want to build a better-connected West Yorkshire by making it easier to walk, wheel and cycle in our communities.
“I’d encourage people to have their say, so we can make it easier for people to use more active modes of transport in this part of Leeds.”
Achievements and innovations in active travel will be celebrated at the third annual CiTTi Awards, which will be held on 26 November 2024 at De Vere Grand Connaught Rooms in London. Nominations are open now! Please visit www.cittiawards.co.uk to learn more about this unmissable event for the UK’s transportation sector
