New markings have been put in place at accident hot spots in Leeds in a bid to make the city a safer place to cycle.
The red surfacing has been introduced to highlight side road junctions along the A660 and the A65 and in turn help reduce the number of accidents between cyclists and turning vehicles.
In the past five years, 34 per cent of all incidents in which cyclists have been killed or seriously injured on Leeds’s A-roads have happened on those stretches of highway.
The new markings and surfacing are designed to make drivers more aware of the possible presence of cyclists and follows on from a scheme earlier this year which saw posters put in place between Victoria Road and Glen Road, warning cyclists and drivers to stay alert.
As well as the new surfacing, the latest project will include a refresh of the white line road markings and a pilot initiative, where reflective tabards, reflectors and lights will be distributed to cyclists on site in collaboration with the universities, cycling groups and Leeds Cycling Campaign.
Councillor Gerry Harper, Leeds City Council’s lead member for transport and economy, said:
“After the incredible success of the Tour de France, we’ve seen more and more people in Leeds taking up cycling both for leisure and commuting, which is a fantastic legacy for the event and the city.
“However, that means more bikes on the city’s roads and, as a consequence, more cyclists being injured- particularly on these stretches of road which are two of the main cycle routes in and out of the city centre.
“We’re very keen that people of all ages who want to enjoy the health and transport benefits of cycling can do so but we need to have the measures in place to make sure cyclists and motorists are aware of each other.
“That way we can minimise the number of accidents and ensure motorists and cyclists can share the road safely.”
Consultation on the project has included universities, emergency services and the Leeds Cycle Action Group.
