New Cycle and Scooter Parking Installed at Leeds Schools

Improving Safety and Accessibility for Pupils

Leeds City Council has completed a new phase of cycle and scooter parking installations at schools across the city, aiming to support safer and healthier journeys for thousands of children. This initiative is part of a wider programme funded by the West Yorkshire Combined Authority to encourage sustainable travel to and from school.

Details of the New Facilities

In this latest phase, 23 schools have received new, secure parking facilities, including:

• 320 bike parking spaces
• 504 scooter parking spaces

These additions make it easier for pupils and families to choose cycling or scooting as alternatives to car travel. The programme builds on previous work, and in total, 49 schools across Leeds have now benefited from new or upgraded parking facilities. Overall, this has resulted in:

• 418 bike parking spaces installed
• 664 scooter parking spaces installed
• More than 1,000 additional parking spaces for pupils citywide

Supporting Safer School Journeys

The improvements are part of ongoing efforts by Leeds City Council to reduce traffic congestion around schools during peak times, with the goal of improving road safety. The council also encourages more families to adopt walking, cycling, wheeling, and scooting for school journeys.

Last year, cycle training was delivered to 11,235 young people in Leeds, helping them develop the skills and confidence to travel by bike or scooter. Data indicates that nearly 42% of children in Leeds live within a 10-minute walk of their school, with primary school children travelling an average distance of 850 metres to get there.

Statements from Local Officials

Councillor Jonathan Pryor, Leeds City Council’s deputy leader and executive member for economy, transport and sustainable development, commented:

“It’s fantastic to see pupils, including the Children’s Mayor, already benefitting from these new facilities. Ensuring children can travel to school safely and sustainably is a key priority and this is another important step in supporting families to choose healthier and more active travel.”

“Our Vision Zero ambition is to eliminate serious injury and death on Leeds roads. By giving more pupils the opportunity to walk, wheel, scoot or cycle, we’re not only encouraging healthier journeys but also helping to build safer communities around our schools and across Leeds.”

West Yorkshire Mayor Tracy Brabin also highlighted the regional benefits of the project, stating:

“Making it easier and safer to cycle and scoot to school will enable children and their families to be more active, save money and help protect the environment.”

“As part of our Weaver Network, we are building a region where it is safer, greener and cheaper to get around, no matter how you choose to travel.”

Background and Future Plans

Last year, the Mayor of West Yorkshire joined 11 other mayors in a pledge to deliver an initial 3,500 miles of safer routes to schools, shops, high streets, workplaces, and transport hubs. The cycle and scooter parking installations in Leeds form part of this broader commitment to improve active travel infrastructure.