Six-week call for views on Leeds cycling strategy launched as campaigners take to the roads

Leeds Rhinos star Stevie Ward, British Cyclings Tom Mutton and Coun Richard Lewis launch the consultation at an event in Briggate, Leeds. Picture by Tony Johnson.

Residents, businesses and communities are being asked for their opinions on a newly-developed cycling strategy and action plan, which has been drafted by the Leeds Cycling Starts Here board formed during the 2014 Tour de France.

Leeds Rhinos star Stevie Ward, British Cycling and Leeds City Council launched the six-week consultation on the plans in Briggate today.

The process is aimed at gathering views on the city’s stated ambitions while issuing glimpses of how cycle-friendly Leeds streets could look in future.

The launch of the consultation coincides with a mass Space for Cycling demonstration ride calling on council bosses to make cycling more attractive locally through safer routes, residential 20mph speed limits and protected cycle space.

Around 100 cyclists are expected to saddle up for the ride from Millennium Square to Kirkstall Abbey to call for space for cycling tomorrow from 12noon.

Coun Richard Lewis, the council’s executive member for transport, said: “I believe that everyone has an important part to play in the development of this strategy and action plan, because of the role cycling could play in the future growth, place-making and streetscape of Leeds. We would really like to hear from not just cycling enthusiasts and residents.”

Officials from the council, the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, British Cycling and Leeds Cycling Campaign have all played a role in developing the plans. To have your say visit consult.leeds.gov.uk by June 26.