This article is about my impression of the completed cycle highway, which was built to connect the central points of our cities (*Leeds to Bradford) for the benefit of walkers and people who cycle.
Observations - The few traffic lights bespoke for bikes tend to activate slowly, by which I mean after pressing they don't work for about 2-3mins, but then only stay active for 10seconds? Plus there's an awful lot more of those cycle path markers and green painted routes too, so it gave me hope for the Leeds-focused side of our cycle highway.
I was very glad to see that this highway route seems to be aimed at standard commuters, or alternatively the newbies; but ironically at the same time could give grief to professional cyclists who prefer to ride at 20-40mph; and for some strange reason there's a preconceived notion that commuting via bike at an average of 8mph is a waste of time, and that this would do nothing to convince drivers to leave their motor vehicles - this is incorrect.
People leave cars because they've had enough of gridlock traffic, not to mention extortionate running and taxation cost, but probably the best reason is knowing that safe spaces for cycling exist and they can use them regardless of their ability (*remember what it's like on crowded buses/trains? Not a very endearing picture or experience is it...)
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Warnings - Unfortunately there was a slight lack of floor marking's near some local supermarkets and junctions, but I was told this is down to previous pending planning developments that predate the cycle highway (houses, new entry points, signal crossings) so take care and remember that car drivers in general are still coming to terms with cycling infrastructure on the whole.
There tends to be an urge to drive fast throughout the Leeds to Bradford route, especially through its many 'slow down' bus sections (when they're empty) but I imagine a reasonable person would have the sense to slow down and use appropriate speeds... (there's no need to rush!) Either way, the peer pressure to copy fast cycling culture does no favors to change public opinion that it's accessible, easy and welcoming. (I often apologise to quite a few people based on how aggressive some cyclists can be)
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My overall thoughts on the route - It's very fun to use if you're intending to take your time traveling (or coasting hills) like I try to do, and thankfully it only has two main hills to be afraid of (on the return journey to Leeds) one being nearest to the city, the other near a vibrant community of schools and shops.
PS. This was the first time I've visited Bradford (nevermind on my bicycle) - in eight years! but hopefully this will become a regular trip, not just for me but for all commuters on bikes.
- Jaimes Lewis Moran
Observations - The few traffic lights bespoke for bikes tend to activate slowly, by which I mean after pressing they don't work for about 2-3mins, but then only stay active for 10seconds? Plus there's an awful lot more of those cycle path markers and green painted routes too, so it gave me hope for the Leeds-focused side of our cycle highway.
I was very glad to see that this highway route seems to be aimed at standard commuters, or alternatively the newbies; but ironically at the same time could give grief to professional cyclists who prefer to ride at 20-40mph; and for some strange reason there's a preconceived notion that commuting via bike at an average of 8mph is a waste of time, and that this would do nothing to convince drivers to leave their motor vehicles - this is incorrect.
People leave cars because they've had enough of gridlock traffic, not to mention extortionate running and taxation cost, but probably the best reason is knowing that safe spaces for cycling exist and they can use them regardless of their ability (*remember what it's like on crowded buses/trains? Not a very endearing picture or experience is it...)
+ + +
Warnings - Unfortunately there was a slight lack of floor marking's near some local supermarkets and junctions, but I was told this is down to previous pending planning developments that predate the cycle highway (houses, new entry points, signal crossings) so take care and remember that car drivers in general are still coming to terms with cycling infrastructure on the whole.
There tends to be an urge to drive fast throughout the Leeds to Bradford route, especially through its many 'slow down' bus sections (when they're empty) but I imagine a reasonable person would have the sense to slow down and use appropriate speeds... (there's no need to rush!) Either way, the peer pressure to copy fast cycling culture does no favors to change public opinion that it's accessible, easy and welcoming. (I often apologise to quite a few people based on how aggressive some cyclists can be)
+ + +
My overall thoughts on the route - It's very fun to use if you're intending to take your time traveling (or coasting hills) like I try to do, and thankfully it only has two main hills to be afraid of (on the return journey to Leeds) one being nearest to the city, the other near a vibrant community of schools and shops.
PS. This was the first time I've visited Bradford (nevermind on my bicycle) - in eight years! but hopefully this will become a regular trip, not just for me but for all commuters on bikes.
- Jaimes Lewis Moran