THE Cycle Superhighway between Bradford and Leeds will result in an 800 per cent increase in the number of commuters using bicycles in the area by 2026, according to new research.

CityConnect, which is behind the cycleway, said an extra 9,000 trips would be made on a daily basis along the Bradford-Leeds corridor by 2020.

The information came on the back of research by cycling manufacturer Ribble Cycles, which looked into how much commuters spend on petrol and parking.

Ginny Leonard, CityConnect communications and engagement manager, said: “By encouraging more people to switch to cycling, we will be giving Bradford and Leeds the best opportunity to become less polluted, have a healthier population, create a safer urban environment and improve the potential for economic growth through access to employment and training. The Superhighway is the only one of its kind outside of London.

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“The successful delivery of the scheme will result in an additional 9,000 daily trips made by bike, along the Leeds Bradford corridor, by 2020. Furthermore, it will meet West Yorkshire’s Local Transport Plan of tripling cycle use across West Yorkshire by 2019, seven years sooner than anticipated, and reaching 7.5 per cent cycle use by 2026.

“This represents 12 per cent of journeys being made by bike in the target geographical area - an 800 per cent increase.”

The research found that commuters who drive to work in Bradford spend an average of £1,034.24 each year on petrol (£503.54) and parking (£530.70). People who use public transport spend an average of £1,117 a year.

The opening of the Cycle Superhighway in June

Matthew Lawson, of Ribble Cycles, said: “There are many companies in Bradford that offer cycle to work schemes, which let you pay for a bike in small instalments each month, making owning a bike much more affordable.

"Also, the introduction of new cycling lanes and the superhighway will hopefully encourage more people to hop on their bike in the morning.”

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