Thousands of children across Leeds are set to benefit from safer and healthier journeys to school following the installation of new cycle and scooter parking facilities at schools across the city.
Leeds City Council has completed the latest phase of improvements to support scooting and cycling, delivered through a programme funded by the West Yorkshire Combined Authority. In this phase, 23 schools received new secure facilities, including 320 bike parking spaces and 504 scooter parking spaces, helping pupils and families choose more sustainable ways to travel.
Building on earlier work, the programme has now supported 49 schools across Leeds with new or upgraded facilities. In total, 418 bike parking spaces and 664 scooter parking spaces have been installed, providing more than 1,000 additional spaces for pupils.
The improvements form part of ongoing work by the council to reduce traffic around schools during peak times, improve road safety and encourage more families to walk, cycle, wheel or scoot on their journeys. Last year, the council and its partners delivered cycle training to 11,235 young people in the city, helping them gain the skills and confidence to choose alternatives to travelling by car. Almost 42% of children in Leeds live within a 10‑minute walk of their school, with primary pupils travelling an average of just 850 metres.
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 Mayor last year joined 11 other Mayors from across the country in a pledge to deliver an initial 3,500 miles of safer routes to schools, shops and high streets, workplaces and transport hubs.
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.”
