Cycling trips have more than doubled on a canal towpath route following improvements funded by York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority and West Yorkshire Combined Authority.
New monitoring data collected a year after the scheme on the Kildwick to Silsden stretch of the Leeds and Liverpool Canal was completed, shows cycling journeys have increased by 102%, while walking trips rose by 69%.
The improvements are estimated to be generating around 212 additional walking and cycling journeys every day. If similar levels continue throughout the year, the route could support around 77,000 additional active travel journeys every year.
David Skaith, Mayor of York and North Yorkshire, said:
"They say ‘if you build it, they will come’ and that sure is the case on the Leeds and Liverpool Canal. Doubling usership in a year is as clear a justification as ever that when you invest in making it safer to walk, wheel and cycle, people do.
"We're investing more money than ever into walking, wheeling and cycling because everyone should feel safe using our roads and paths no matter how they get around.”
The project, delivered by delivered by Canal & River Trust in partnership with North Yorkshire Council and Bradford Council, transformed a previously narrow and uneven section of towpath that often became muddy and was difficult to use during wet weather, especially for wheelchair users, those with mobility issues and those with pushchairs.
Jon Horsfall, regional director, Canal & River Trust, said:
“Our canals are much-loved community spaces and we’re delighted that the upgrades to the towpath on the Leeds and Liverpool Canal between Kildwick and Silsden - the last ‘missing link’ on the canal in Yorkshire to be re-surfaced - are helping thousands more people enjoy them, whether that's walking to work, cycling to school, going for a run, or simply spending time by the water.
“This towpath upgrade project demonstrates what can be achieved through partnership working. As a charity, it’s so important that we work with other organisations to keep our historic canals open and alive. We would like to thank the project’s funding partners - North Yorkshire Council, York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority, Bradford Council and West Yorkshire Combined Authority. This towpath upgrade project is a fantastic example of how we can work together to make canals more welcoming and attractive, part of ensuring they remain navigable for boats and here for local people and in support of wildlife.”
Improvements have included resurfacing the towpath with an all-weather surface, widening the route and improving drainage, helping to create a safer and more accessible route for people walking, wheeling and cycling throughout the year.
The upgraded route forms part of a continuous 47km traffic-free corridor between Skipton and Leeds, helping people choose active travel for leisure, commuting and everyday journeys.
North Yorkshire Council’s leader, Cllr Carl Les, who is also a member of the York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority, said:
“We want people to enjoy all that North Yorkshire has to offer, and this scheme is a great example of how we are working to improve access in the county.
“The benefits of walking and cycling are well documented for improving both physical and mental wellbeing.
“To see such a significant increase in the number of people using this route along the canal towpath is helping to build on our work to promote active travel in North Yorkshire.
“We will continue to work within the combined authority to help to improve access and encourage more people to enjoy the benefits of walking and cycling.”
The scheme received funding through York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority's Net Zero Fund, alongside funding from West Yorkshire Combined Authority.
West Yorkshire Mayor Tracy Brabin said: "I'm delighted that thousands more journeys are taking place along this beautiful stretch of canal.
"We're delivering accessible routes like these across our region, to ensure everybody is able to travel alongside our waterways, come rain or shine.
"Our Weaver Network is making it easier for people to get where they want to go, helping to create a better-connected West Yorkshire."