Bradford council has started a new active travel scheme in place which will encourage more people to travel by bike, on foot and via public transport while easing the pressure on local congestion.
The £2.9m programme includes new cycle lanes, bike parking facilities, improved pavements, pedestrian crossings and modifications to reduce traffic and improve safety.
The Bradford district programme will be delivered in two phases with the second phase still awaiting approval from central government.
The first phase to be completed this month will cost £600,000 and include:
• Pop-up cycle lanes for sections of Wakefield Road, Manchester Road and Great Horton Road approaching the city centre.
• Secure cycle stands at nineteen council car parks along with facilities at Bradford Royal Infirmary, Airedale Hospital and St Lukes Hospital.
• Secure cycle stands at nineteen council car parks along with facilities at Bradford Royal Infirmary, Airedale Hospital and St Lukes Hospital.
The list of 19 locations include:
• Closing parts of Shay Lane in Heaton to cars whilst allowing walkers and cyclists to pass through.
• A pocket park which includes cycle facilities at South Hawkesworth Street Car Park in Ilkley.
• A new crossing at Ilkley Grammar School with supporting guard railing.
• Wider footpaths and new signals at Wheatley Lane Bridge and Ben Rhydding.
• New footpaths and play space on routes to Margeret Macmillan, Lister Primary School, Lilycroft Primary School, and Saint Cuthbert and the First Martyrs’ Catholic Primary School.
Proposals are being developed for a £2.3m second phase which will be completed by April 2021.
Options being considered include:
• A bus gate at the end of Kirkgate in Shipley, routing traffic round the back of Kirkgate to avoid the pedestrian areas.
• A Schools Streets pilot project at ten schools across the Bradford district involving temporary road closures on surrounding streets at opening and closing times.
• Pop-up cycle lanes along Thornton Road approaching the city centre.
• Pop-up cycle lanes along Wakefield Road, Fenby Avenue, Holmewood Road and Cutler Heights Lane
Councillor Alex Ross-Shaw, Portfolio Holder for Regeneration, Planning and Transport said: “These new measures will encourage people to choose more active modes of travel and will make our roads cleaner, safer and quieter.”
“They will also improve air quality, make neighbourhoods more pleasant and enhance people’s health and wellbeing.”
