Bradford: Work begins on busy city route cycle paths

The West Bradford Cycle Superhighway is to encourage more people to use bikes

Work on the first phase of a £12m cycle lane project, which aims to make Bradford friendlier to those on two wheels, has begun.

The project, called the West Bradford Cycle Superhighway, will create 1.5 miles (2.5km) of segregated lanes.

The route will stretch from Sunbridge Road, along Thornton Road to just west of the Cemetery Road junction.

West Yorkshire Mayor Tracy Brabin said the project would help "build a greener, better-connected" county.

Preliminary works began in late January, with the main construction on the joint Bradford Council/West Yorkshire Combined Authority Project expected to commence in April.

Once completed, there will be single lane segregated cycle routes on Sunbridge Road, with two-way routes along Thornton Road.

A Bradford Council spokesperson said more than 23,000 cars travelled the route each day and they hoped they could lure motorists out of their vehicles and onto bicycles once completed.

There will also be a number of new pedestrian crossings, the council also said.

Ms Brabin said: "This is a huge investment that will improve cycling and walking routes in Bradford, as well as reduce congestion."