KEIGHLEY district has played its part in a cycling revolution across the region.
Ten years on from the Tour de France Grand Depart coming to this area, new data has revealed the extent to which cycling – plus walking and 'wheeling' – has progressed in West Yorkshire.
Keighley, Silsden, Haworth and Oxenhope all featured on the route of the Grand Depart.
Thousands of people lined the streets as the cavalcade and top international cyclists made their way through the district, and millions globally watched the spectacle on TV.
West Yorkshire Combined Authority says the race showcased the region to the world and helped galvanise interest in cycling.
And in a new report, the authority outlines how it has helped develop the legacy over the past decade.
Since 2014, more than 100 kilometres of new cycling and walking routes in the region have been built or improved.
West Yorkshire’s first public e-bike hire scheme was launched, in Leeds.
More than 500 businesses have been supported to become more cycling and walking friendly, and over 2,700 new bike and scooter parking spaces have been created at schools. Cycle counters on combined authority routes have been travelled over more than 13 million times, with nearly three million of those on the award-winning Bradford Leeds Cycle Superhighway.
The figures also show that more than 650 bikes have been provided to people in need, funds have been awarded to over 120 organisations to help people cycle and walk, and nearly 18,000 school pupils have attended free cycle skills sessions.
West Yorkshire's mayor, Tracy Brabin, says: "I am proud of the progress that’s been made over the last ten years to make it easier to cycle, walk and wheel in the region.
"We want to encourage as many people as possible to choose greener ways to travel, to help reduce traffic and emissions as we look to become a net-zero carbon region by 2038.
"Continuing to invest in our cycle lane network is vital for creating a greener, better-connected region that works for everyone."
Future plans include the expansion of a network of active travel hubs – one-stop shops where people can access all their cycling and walking needs – to more than 20 locations.
And the combined authority is working with partners to improve access to cycling for young people and disabled users, as well as providing free adult cycle training sessions across the region.
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