Walking and cycling schemes totalling more than £19.4m have moved a step closer following a meeting of West Yorkshire Combined Authority’s Investment Committee.
Members approved recommendations to progress three walking and cycling schemes to the next stage of development.
This included a £7.83m (including £7.36m of Combined Authority funding) scheme to boost cycling and walking access between Skipton railway and bus stations, as well as the town centre.
Members also heard details of a £10.94m (including £10.64m of Combined Authority funding) scheme to boost cycling and walking access to Harrogate railway station.
A further £700k of Combined Authority funding was approved to develop a business case to consider a foot and cycle bridge over the A629 between Steeton and Silsden.
Commenting, Mayor of West Yorkshire, Tracy Brabin said: “In my manifesto, I committed to hitting our aim of becoming a net zero carbon economy by 2038.
“This is why I’m delighted the Investment Committee has agreed to progress schemes to increase walking and cycling.
“This is not only good for our air quality, it is also a fundamental part of my commitment to improving health and wellbeing.”
Deputy Chair of West Yorkshire Combined Authority’s Investment Committee, Roger Marsh OBE added:
“Building the future we want with a transport system fit for the 21st century is more important than ever, helping lead the region’s economic recovery from the pandemic and achieve our aim of becoming a net zero carbon economy by 2038.
“We need to reduce car trips by 21% and increase cycling trips by 2,000%, walking trips by 78%, bus trips by 39% and rail trips by 53% if we are to achieve this ambitious target in this timeframe.
“These schemes will help us do that.”
Both the Skipton and Harrogate railway station schemes will be delivered in partnership with local authorities through the Transforming Cities Fund programme.
This will see more than £450m invested in making it easier for people to walk, cycle and use public transport across the region.
PSE will be hosting a Public Sector Decarbonisation event on 9 September. Join us for the full day event by registering here.
