The West Yorkshire Combined Authority’s response to British Cycling survey

9 May 2019

Seven out of 10 cyclists do not believe conditions on Britain's roads have improved in the past five years, according to the results of a survey of British Cycling members published today (Thursday 9 May).

Responding to the survey, Cllr Kim Groves, Chair of the West Yorkshire Combined Authority’s Transport Committee, said:

“By 2020, we will have invested £60 million in cycling and walking schemes across West Yorkshire and York since 2015 through our dedicated CityConnect programme. In addition, we are currently developing business cases to unlock a further £12 million from the Local Growth Fund to deliver further cycling and walking schemes.

“More than 60% of surveyed users of CityConnect’s award-winning Bradford Leeds Cycle Superhighway say their confidence to cycle has increased as a result of the provision, with people citing being safe and segregated from traffic as the main reasons to use it. Since opening in July 2016 the cycle superhighway has been used for nearly a million trips (953,595 up until the end of March 2019), increasing access to work, education and leisure opportunities in communities facing barriers to participation.

“Alongside building new infrastructure and improving existing routes, we run a series of engagement initiatives aimed at helping residents overcome barriers to participation, including free adult cycle training and bike maintenance sessions. We are also delivering improvements for cycling and walking through our wider investment programmes - an estimated £69 million from the Local Growth Fund will be spent on walking and cycling improvements within our wider delivery programme up to March 2021.

“From connecting people with places, to reducing air pollution and congestion, and combatting physical inactivity and obesity, we know increasing the numbers of people choosing to travel by bike or on foot has a vital role to play in making our region a great place to live, work and play, and we continue to explore future funding opportunities to build on the significant progress we have already made.”

From route information to online challenges, free adult cycle training and bike maintenance courses, and support for businesses, find out how CityConnect can help you.