'Cycling network is a step in the right direction'

Leeds has added 113 miles of cycle lanes to its network over the last decade, the city council says. While cyclists have praised the active travel project as a "step in the right direction", others raised concerns that changes have led to rat-running on back streets as drivers seek alternative routes.

The latest scheme in development, at Dawsons Corner near Pudsey, will see cyclists separated from drivers on a £44m junction that connects the A647 Stanningley Road and the A6120 Ring Road.

The council says the work will reduce congestion, improve safety and create better routes for all road users.

Every day, about 57,000 vehicles and 1,200 pedestrians and cyclists travel through the junction.

Martin Bennett-Stanley from the Leeds Cycling Campaign says: "You have to give the local authority credit for including cycling and walking in the plans.

"It's not the standard that we see in countries like Holland, where junctions get buried, but it is a step in the right direction."

At Meanwood, major changes have taken place at the junction of Stonegate Road and Monk Bridge Road, with junctions closed to traffic travelling in certain directions.

The changes have allowed cycle lanes to be built and pavements to be widened - but drivers in the area say this has led to rat-running on residential streets.

Hannah, who lives and drives in the area, says: "The biggest change for me has been the removal of a left-hand turn which means the only way to get home is to drive through the residents' streets.

"I try to distribute routes on different days to spread the burden, but it is a nightmare."

Another driver, Michael Phillis, describes the situation as "ill thought out" and says: "You can't get where you need to be going, everything is being made for cyclists but you don't see many of them."

But window cleaner Gary Hurlstone says he thinks the work has made the streets safer.

"It's an improvement for pedestrians without a doubt, but not for drivers, they're going to have to learn to be a bit more patient I am afraid," he says.

With local elections looming, the major parties all have different policies on active travel.

Labour currently leads Leeds City Council and are "encouraging people to walk and cycle more, to reduce reliance on cars and create healthier, more sustainable cities for everyone".

The Conservatives say: "Too often these schemes have made it harder for residents, businesses and visitors to get around, whilst doing little to tackle the real everyday transport challenges people face."

The Liberal Democrats point to their record "challenging how the council implement cycle schemes" and say they are "unhappy that the lion's share of active travel spending for the city is being spent in one single location in Headingley."

Reform say: "We're not against cycle lanes. But we have cycle lanes that are not well used. We need to get rid of the net zero madness that's ideologically driven to eradicate cars."

And the Greens say: "We will always prioritise active travel as it improves people's physical and mental health as well as reducing traffic congestion and the associated air pollution."

Work on Dawsons Corner roundabout is expected to be completed in early 2027.

The BBC has approached Leeds City Council for comment on the junction closures in Meanwood.

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