Cyclists press case for extra routes

Members of the Leeds Cycling Action Group (LCAG) say documents produced by the local authority are positive about the benefits of cycling – but they maintain that more still needs to be done to cycling routes to get more people onto their bikes.

The issue will be discussed by members of Leeds City Council’s executive board when it meets next Wednesday.

A report to committee members says: “The key difference between the position of the cyclists’ deputation and the council’s position is perhaps one of degree rather than substance.

“There is limited funding and road space to accommodate the requirements of all road users.”

In 2009, senior councillors in Leeds approved in principal the first phase of a cycle network consisting of 17 routes – in the hope that they would encourage more people to cycle.

Four of these have been funded while three more three should be provided this financial year – subject to approval.

However, officials anticipated that it will take five years more to complete the 17-route network.