Local residents, schools, and businesses in the Crossgates area are invited to share their input on proposed enhancements to the walking and cycling infrastructure.
The initiative aims to foster safer and healthier streets, facilitating easier and more convenient walking, wheeling, and cycling for short trips to schools, local shops, and central Crossgates. The project, funded by a £1.9 million government grant, will focus on improvements along Barwick Road, and in the Swarcliffe, Manston, and Poole Estate areas.
Community feedback previously indicated challenges in crossing busy intersections and issues with the connectivity and signage of existing cycle paths. The new plans seek to mitigate these issues by improving road crossing points, enhancing the connectivity of bike paths, and increasing overall safety for all road users.
The proposed enhancements for the Crossgates area include several key infrastructure changes aimed at improving safety and accessibility for pedestrians and cyclists:
- A new two-way segregated cycle track is proposed along Barwick Road, designed to connect seamlessly with existing cycling routes in the area.
- New signalised crossings for both pedestrians and cyclists at the Seacroft roundabout.
- Wider footways along Barwick Road to provide more space for pedestrians.
- Safer and more accessible pedestrian crossings throughout the area, including a new zebra crossing between Austhorpe Road and Manston Park.
- Tree planting along Barwick Road, with plans for a pocket park along Farm Road to enhance local greenery.
- Modifications to vehicle access from Swardale Green, with three options to be presented to residents for feedback.
Additionally, the proposed cycle track along Barwick Road will connect to the existing City Connect route that extends from the city center to Seacroft, further enhancing the cycling infrastructure. To accommodate these improvements, there will be some changes to on-street parking along Barwick Road to facilitate the widening of footways and the installation of the new cycle track. The project is a collaborative effort between Leeds City Council and the West Yorkshire Combined Authority.
Councillor Jonathan Pryor, Leeds City Council’s executive member for economy, transport and sustainable development said:
“There are a lot of local schools in the area, and we want to make doing the school run, or visits to local shops and amenities safer for everyone. By improving walking and cycling links and making it safer and easier to cross the road, we’re aiming to increase the number of people that choose to travel in greener and healthier ways whilst making the area more accessible. I would encourage anyone in the area to have their say to make sure their voice is heard in the consultation.”
Deputy chair of the West Yorkshire Combined Authority Transport Committee Councillor Peter Carlill said:
“We want to build a better-connected West Yorkshire by making it easier to walk, wheel and cycle in our communities. I’d encourage people to have their say, so we can make it easier for people to use more active modes of transport in this part of Leeds.”
Residents, businesses, and visitors are invited to share their feedback on the proposals before the consultation period ends on October 27. Opinions can be expressed through a 10-minute online survey available at www.barwickroad.commonplace.is, or by participating in a drop-in event.
For those preferring paper copies of the proposals and the survey, requests can be made by calling 0113 336 8868 or emailing connectingleeds@leeds.gov.uk
Wheeling refers to the use of wheelchairs, mobility scooters, walking aids, and the act of traveling with a pram or pushchair.
