West Yorkshire rated one of the best for walking, wheeling and cycling

West Yorkshire has been named amongst the leading regions in the country for encouraging walking, wheeling and cycling and will receive £29million to invest in future projects.  

The West Yorkshire Combined Authority has retained its Level 3 status in Active Travel England’s ‘capability ratings’, it was announced today (Wednesday 10th December). 

The region is assessed on its ability to plan, design and implement high-quality active travel infrastructure schemes alongside partners. The Combined Authority is one of 11 authorities to achieve this rating, the highest currently awarded nationally. Being rated joint top in the country means West Yorkshire is continuing to benefit from future funding for active travel projects, with £29million allocated to the region over the next four years.  

Mayor of West Yorkshire Tracy Brabin said:

"Cycling, walking and wheeling to get around isn't only good for the environment, but makes us feel better and gets us fit.This new funding for active travel schemes is fantastic for the region and will help us build on our strong track record of delivering new and improved routes, making it safer to get around. This will form a key part of our Weaver Network as we seamlessly join up transport options across West Yorkshire to make a greener, better-connected region."

Capability ratings range from Level 0 to Level 4. Currently no authority is at Level 4, but the Combined Authority is working towards reaching this in the future.  

Ratings acknowledge what is being done in West Yorkshire, by districts and other organisations, to invest in active travel infrastructure, including ongoing improvements on the A660 Otley Road, further enhancements in Bradford city centre, work along the Huddersfield Broad and Narrow canals, and projects to improve access to schools across the region.  

Free adult cycle training is also funded across the region by the Combined Authority, alongside a growing network of ‘active travel hubs’ in Bradford, Calderdale, Kirklees, Leeds and Wakefield, helping people walk, wheel and cycle.  

The Combined Authority is helping to improve access to schools, green spaces and other local places, as well as continuing to develop its Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plans as part of the Weaver Network to join up all transport options in West Yorkshire. 

The new funding allocated to West Yorkshire, which is part of the region's Integrated Settlement announced in the Chancellor's Budget last month, will help deliver schemes including better access to schools, improvements to both on and off road cycle, wheeling and walking provision such as canal towpaths and greenways, alongside improving safety on the existing network. 

For more information on active travel in West Yorkshire, visit the Combined Authority's walking and cycling webpage.