West Yorkshire leading the way for walking and cycling

People across West Yorkshire to benefit from funding boost for active travel as region recognised as ‘Top Tier.’  

Tracy Brabin, the Mayor of West Yorkshire today welcomed the region being recognised as leading the way in delivering ambitious cycling and walking opportunities. West Yorkshire Combined Authority and its five Local Authority partners have today (DATE) been confirmed as one of the ‘Top Tier’ authorities in the country by Active Travel England.

The accolade means that West Yorkshire communities will benefit from a further funding boost of £2.5 million to develop the cycling and walking network.

People will be able to access support to walk, wheel and cycle from a broad range of initiatives being made available across West Yorkshire. This will include cycle training for families, bike maintenance training and more opportunities for children to learn how to ride for the first time. 

Businesses will also receive a boost, with new bike loans being offered to employers, including e-bikes and e-cargo bikes, increasing access for even more people to benefit from new routes. Making the most of the region’s unique landscape will be at the heart of an innovative approach to infrastructure to improve walking and cycling routes in more rural areas.

Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire said: 

"It’s an incredible achievement to be recognised for our transformational cycling and walking routes, along with our partners.  

“We want to grow our economy, connect people with opportunities and tackle the climate emergency.

“We need a reliable and integrated transport system to do this and both cycling and walking have a vital role to play.”

The latest funding boost of £2.5m was secured by the Combined Authority from the Department for Transport’s (DfT) Capability Fund, following a submission to government in summer 2022.

The funding will also enable the Combined Authority to continue developing Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plans (LCWIPs) with partners in the five West Yorkshire districts. These plans will set out where future investment in cycling and walking measures should be made. They aim to create safe routes and more space for people to travel more actively, with significant positive impacts on health, air quality, congestion and quality of life.