West Yorkshire celebrates cycling progress as region marks ten years since Tour de France Grand Depart

10 July 2024

New data from the West Yorkshire Combined Authority shows the significant progress made across cycling, walking and wheeling in the region since the Tour de France came to Yorkshire a decade ago.

The famous Grand Depart set off from Leeds in July 2014 and passed through much of West Yorkshire including Huddersfield, Keighley and Otley.

Hosting the cycle race showcased the region to the world and helped to galvanise interest in cycling.

The West Yorkshire Combined Authority has helped to build on that legacy over the last decade in a variety of ways, new data shows.

Since 2014, more than 100 kilometres of new cycling and walking routes have been built or improved by the Combined Authority.

A number of other highlights from the past ten years include helping to launch West Yorkshire’s first public e-bike hire scheme in Leeds, supporting more than 500 businesses to become more cycling and walking friendly and delivering over 2,700 new bike and scooter parking spaces in schools.

This is part of the Combined Authority’s work, alongside its partners, to make it easier for people to cycle, walk and wheel across the region.

Mayor of West Yorkshire, Tracy Brabin, said: “I’m proud of the progress that’s been made over the last ten years to make it easier to cycle, walk and wheel in West Yorkshire.

“We want to encourage as many people as possible to choose greener ways to travel, to help reduce traffic and emissions as we look to become a net-zero carbon region by 2038.

“Continuing to invest in our cycle lane network is vital for creating a greener, better-connected region that works for everyone.”

Councillor Jonathan Pryor, Leeds City Council’s deputy leader and executive member for economy, transport and sustainable development, said: “We want Leeds to be a city where you don’t need a car. Cycle routes in the centre of Leeds today cover over 12 kilometres and we are working closely with the Combined Authority to ensure our growing network, supported by schemes like Leeds City Bikes, encourages safe, connected and sustainable travel. 

“Our reputation as a bike-friendly city has developed really positively in the 10 years since the Grand Depart and long may it continue to do so.”  

In the last decade, the cycle counters on Combined Authority routes have been travelled over more than 13 million times, with nearly three million of those on the award-winning Bradford Leeds Cycle Superhighway.

The Bradford Leeds Cycle Superhighway is one of the new cycle routes that has been built since the Grand Depart, as is the Western Gateway scheme which connects west Leeds and the city centre.

The Combined Authority has also provided more than 650 bikes to people in need, funded more than 120 organisations to help people cycle and walk, and seen nearly 18,000 school pupils attend one of its free cycle skills sessions.

And the network of active travel hubs – one-stop shops where people can access all their cycling and walking needs – is set to expand to more than 20 locations this year.

The Combined Authority is also working alongside partners to improve access to cycling for young people and disabled users, as well as providing free adult cycle training sessions across the region.

For more information on walking, cycling and wheeling in West Yorkshire, visit: https://www.cyclecityconnect.co.uk/.