New East Leeds Orbital Route cycle lanes on the A6120 Outer Ring Road links north and east Leeds

It is part of the East Leeds Orbital Route (ELOR) scheme that has created substantial cycling network in the city.

The new cyclist friendly provisions make it easier and safer for people to travel from King Lane in Moortown to just outside where the new ELOR will connect to the existing A6120 Outer Ring Road (Redhall).

From Redhall, it will run all the way to Manston Lane near Cross Gates.

Key improvements in the cyclist infrastructure include connecting existing cyclist routes and creating segregated cycle lanes.

Pedestrians will also benefit from new walking routes and safer crossings.

A video released by Leeds City Council shows local people using their bikes for everyday activities such as shopping, school drop offs, and commuting.

In the video, one man says: "It's really easy access for Roundhay and its one of the parks that we love but we're over in Kirkstall so it's the perfect way for us to get across."

Another man uses the lanes to cycle with his two sons. He said: "We've used the cycle track a few times now. It's quick, we feel really safe, we feel it's a great initative by the council and we're looking forward to it being extended in other parts of the city."

Executive board member for climate change, transport and sustainable development, Councillor Helen Hayden, said: “It’s great to see such positive feedback from people on their bikes across this scheme. We know secure and safe cycle lanes can encourage more and more people to get on their bikes.

“We’re planning to create an extra 100kms of cycling over the short-term but we have ambition for 800kms (500 miles) in total to create a comprehensive cycle network.

“Once complete the ELOR cycle, pedestrian and equestrian infrastructure will offer a safe, family friendly transport option for thousands of Leeds residents living in the East of Leeds.

“The council continues to work with the community, landowners and developers to ensure the development will enrich their active travel options. 75 per cent of the scheme’s footprint will be landscaping, public open spaces and will see enhancements to the local environment.

“It’s important the council continues to provide good quality, segregated cycling, walking and equestrian infrastructure for the benefit of the people of Leeds.

"For short journeys, choosing to walk or cycle instead of driving will reduce congestion on the transport network, remove carbon emissions and promote health and wellbeing for Leeds residents.”

The project is now in the final phase with the construction of a 7km route linking the existing ring road at Redhall to Thorpe Park Junction 46 of the M1, a carriageway with pedestrian, equestrian and cycling infrastructure.

The scheme is set to complete autumn 2022. For more detailed plans, visit the website.

The ELOR scheme is financed through the WYCA’s West Yorkshire-plus Transport Fund which is part of the Leeds City Region Growth Deal.

A £1 billion package of government investment through West Yorkshire Combined Authority and Leeds City Region Enterprise Partnership (LEP) to accelerate growth and create jobs across the Leeds City Region.

In addition to new active travel infrastructure, the ELOR scheme will plant approximately 35,000 trees to support Leeds City Council’s goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2030.