A multi-million-pound project to improve walking, wheeling and cycling facilities in West Yorkshire is taking a major step forward.
The new £5.1 million West Yorkshire Places scheme includes proposals such as new street crossings and lighting, improved green spaces and traffic calming measures.
People are now being asked for their views on the West Yorkshire Combined Authority initiative, which will help encourage more people to choose active travel and make local neighbourhoods safer and more attractive across Bradford, Calderdale, Kirklees and Wakefield.
Mayor of West Yorkshire Tracy Brabin said:
“Everybody in West Yorkshire deserves to have access to low-cost, sustainable travel options.“Through initiatives like this we are making it easier and safer to walk, wheel and cycle, which help improve the health and wellbeing of our communities.“This will play a key part as we build a modern, integrated transport network and a better-connected region, so your feedback is invaluable.”
The Combined Authority is working in partnership with Bradford, Calderdale, Kirklees and Wakefield councils to deliver the scheme.
A similar project called ‘Healthier Streets’, which is also funded by the Combined Authority, is already underway in Leeds.
Cllr Susan Hinchcliffe, Leader of Bradford Council, said:
“Safer active travel measures are a central part of enabling people to switch to forms of transport with lower carbon emissions and improved health benefits. “With the investment from the Combined Authority, and the collaboration with other local authorities in the region, we are working towards an integrated, sustainable transport network which supports our ambitions to decarbonise transport and stimulate green growth across the district.”
Included in plans are improved cycle paths near Bradford Moor Park as well as better walking routes and controlled crossings throughout Bradford Moor.
In Cornholme, proposals include new footway links along the A646, new pedestrian crossings, and a one-way system on Greenfield Terrace.
Calderdale Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Transport, Cllr Sarah Courtney, said:
“We want to make it easier for people to choose active travel methods, like walking, wheeling or cycling, for everyday journeys. The proposals for Cornholme will make it easier and safer for people crossing the busy A646 road, improving connections within the village centre and supporting access to the local junior and infant school.“The work would complement similar projects across the borough, including in nearby Todmorden, where the Active Todmorden project, as part of the Town Deal, is increasing options for people to travel actively for their health and happiness and the environment.”
There are proposals in Cleckheaton to improve connection to the Spen Valley Greenway with a new ramp, as well as improving lighting under the bridge and converting a small section of the Crown Street car park into a pocket park.
In Wakefield, plans involve traffic calming measures, accessibility improvements such as ramps and dropped kerbs, and new crossing points in the east of the city centre.
The consultation for Wakefield, Bradford and Calderdale launched yesterday (Wednesday 19thMarch), with Kirklees starting on Tuesday 1st April, each lasting for six weeks.
Drop-in sessions and webinars will take place over the next few weeks to find out more about the latest plans.
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