Thousands of children across Leeds are set to benefit from safer and healthier journeys to school after new cycle and scooter parking facilities were installed at schools across the city.
Leeds City Council has completed the latest phase of improvements aimed at making it easier for pupils and families to choose active and sustainable travel for the school run. Delivered through a programme funded by the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, the scheme has provided secure new parking facilities at 23 schools, including 320 bike spaces and 504 scooter spaces.
The latest work builds on earlier investment, meaning 49 schools across Leeds have now received new or upgraded facilities. In total, 418 bike parking spaces and 664 scooter parking spaces have been installed, creating more than 1,000 additional spaces for pupils.
Council leaders say the improvements form part of wider efforts to cut traffic congestion around schools at busy times, improve road safety and encourage more families to walk, cycle, wheel or scoot to school.
Councillor Jonathan Pryor, Leeds City Council’s deputy leader and executive member for economy, transport and sustainable development said:
“It’s fantastic to see pupils, including the Children’s Mayor, already benefitting from these new facilities. Ensuring children can travel to school safely and sustainably is a key priority and this is another important step in supporting families to choose healthier and more active travel.
“Our Vision Zero ambition is to eliminate serious injury and death on Leeds roads. By giving more pupils the opportunity to walk, wheel, scoot or cycle, we’re not only encouraging healthier journeys but also helping to build safer communities around our schools and across Leeds.”
The scheme also supports ongoing work to help young people travel more confidently and independently. Last year, the council and its partners delivered cycle training to 11,235 young people across Leeds, helping them develop the skills and confidence to choose alternatives to travelling by car.
Mayor of West Yorkshire Tracy Brabin said:
“Making it easier and safer to cycle and scoot to school will enable children and their families to be more active, save money and help protect the environment.
“As part of our Weaver Network, we are a building a region where it is safer, greener and cheaper to get around, no matter how you choose to travel.”
The figures underline the potential for more children to make active journeys to school, with almost 42 per cent of Leeds children living within a 10-minute walk of their school. Primary school pupils also travel an average distance of just 850 metres, making walking, cycling and scooting realistic options for many families.
The programme reflects a broader push for safer everyday journeys across the region. Last year, the Mayor joined 11 other mayors from across the country in pledging to deliver an initial 3,500 miles of safer routes linking schools, shops, high streets, workplaces and transport hubs.
By expanding cycle and scooter parking at schools, Leeds is aiming to make active travel a more practical choice for families while helping to create healthier pupils, safer streets and cleaner air around the school gates.
