Question over future of 'temporary' cycle lanes on Wakefield Road

Temporary cycle lanes on Wakefield Road were installed in 2020 as part of the Government’s “active travel” push to get more people walking and cycling as lockdown eased.

Many have questioned the decision to keep the lanes in place, arguing that few cyclists seem to use the lanes on a regular basis.

Many of the bollards and barriers that separate cyclists from motor vehicles are now badly damaged, and cyclists have raised concerns over litter and debris on the routes.

Wakefield Road Cycle Lane (Image: T&A)

The future of the lanes will be raised at a meeting of Bradford Council on Tuesday.

Developed during the first year of the Covid pandemic, the Wakefield Road aspect of Bradford’s Active Travel Fund saw a lane of car traffic removed from the three-lane carriageway in both directions to make way for the cycle lanes.

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A Freedom of Information Request submitted to Bradford Council shortly after the lanes were installed revealed that the Wakefield Road scheme cost £80,000 – funded through the Government’s Active Travel Scheme.

Wakefield Road cycle lane (Image: newsquest)

In response to that FOI Bradford Council said: “The schemes are temporary in nature and have been installed to provide areas of Bradford with alternatives to car use and public transport during the pandemic.

“This includes parts of Bradford where there is low car ownership and ‘transport poverty’ has been created because of the pandemic.

“Public transport use has become difficult whilst social distancing exists so viable alternatives such as walking and cycling have been created to make up the difference.”

At Tuesday’s full Council meeting Councillor Matt Edwards (Tong, Green) will ask: “As we prepare for Bradford 2025, can the portfolio holder please confirm the short and long term plans for the Wakefield Road Cycle route?”

Last year it was suggested the cycle routes could be made permanent, and upgraded.

The cycle lane on Wakefield Road (Image: newsquest)

West Yorkshire’s £830m City Regional Sustainable Transport Settlement from Government was part of the region’s devolution deal, and would go to fund dozens of transport schemes – including a Mass Transit system.

The settlement included “the upgrade and making permanent temporary segregated cycle scheme on Wakefield Road from Dudley Hill to Bradford city centre” – work on which would begin in August 2024.

However, there has been little update on the scheme since then.

Cllr Edwards will also ask: “What will the Council be doing to ensure the subways under Wakefield Road, Tong Street and Rooley Lane are clear and safe for pedestrians?”

The pedestrian underpass on Wakefield Road (Image: newsquest)

The Council says his questions will be answered at the meeting on Tuesday afternoon.