Stricter rules move ahead for city centre cyclists

Plans to prevent people riding bicycles and e-bikes in pedestrianised areas of Leeds city centre will move forward over the next year, following public consultation.

The city council said it was responding to safety concerns raised by pedestrians sharing Briggate with an estimated 1,100 cyclists and e-bike riders each day.

It said 87% of respondents were in favour of a requirement to walk with, rather than ride, their bikes within Leeds' shopping area during pedestrianised hours.

Councillor Jonathan Pryor, deputy leader and executive member for transport, said the plan aimed to "make Leeds an even more attractive place for people to come and spend their time".

He said: "Leeds city centre welcomes hundreds of thousands of people every year so it's vital that we do all we can to ensure their visit is as safe and enjoyable as possible."

The Briggate Action Plan states that cyclists would have to dismount and push their bikes on Briggate, Lands Lane, Commercial Street, Albion Place and lower Albion Street.

The restriction includes "heavy bikes" often used by delivery drivers, some of which can travel up to 45 mph (72.4 kmph).

These "represent a serious potential risk to pedestrian safety in the event of a collision", according to the council.

The authority is proposing extending the hours in which these streets are pedestrianised, from between 10:30 and 19:00 to 10:00 until 20:00.

Of those responding, 84% supported this measure.

The plan would also restrict street vendors from defined areas within pedestrianised streets, which 69% of respondent were in favour of.

Briggate can see about 15 vendors on an average day, the council said, with many more gathering during key events.

It added that, following public feedback, the next phase of the scheme was being drawn up, including applying for new legislation.

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