New data indicates the significant progress made in cycling in West Yorkshire since the Tour de France Grand Depart took place a decade ago.
Figures from the West Yorkshire Combined Authority reveal that since the famous race departed from Leeds, over 100 kilometres of new cycling and walking routes have been established.
The Grand Depart, which took place on July 5 and 6, 2014, attracted spectators in their droves.
About 380,000 people gathered in the Bradford district alone to watch the event, with £2.7m spent on accommodation and a further £8.8m spent by visitors in the district, according to tourism agency Welcome to Yorkshire.
The cycle race weaved through the likes of Keighley, Haworth, Otley, Ilkley, Skipton, Addingham, Silsden, Stanbury, Oxenhope and Pool-in-Wharfedale.
The iconic race passing through the streets of Ilkley
Mayor of West Yorkshire, Tracy Brabin, said: "I’m proud of the progress that’s been made over the last ten years to make it easier to cycle, walk and wheel in West Yorkshire.
"We want to encourage as many people as possible to choose greener ways to travel, to help reduce traffic and emissions as we look to become a net-zero carbon region by 2038.
"Continuing to invest in our cycle lane network is vital for creating a greener, better-connected region that works for everyone."
In the decade since the Grand Depart the Combined Authority has lent support to more than 500 businesses to become more cycling and walking friendly, and provided over 2,700 new bike and scooter parking spaces in schools.
The cycle counters on Combined Authority routes have been travelled over more than 13 million times since the Grand Depart.
This includes almost three million journeys on the award-winning Bradford Leeds Cycle Superhighway, built since the event took place.
The Combined Authority has also provided more than 650 bikes to those in need, funded more than 120 organisations that aim to get people cycling and walking, and arranged free cycle skills sessions attended by almost 18,000 school pupils so far.
Active travel hubs, where residents can satisfy all their cycling and walking needs, are set to be opened in more than 20 locations this year by the Combined Authority.
The Combined Authority is also looking to improve cycling access for young people and those with disabilities, via partnerships, and to provide free adult cycle training sessions across the region.
For more information on walking and cycling in West Yorkshire, visit: https://www.cyclecityconnect.co.uk/.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel