About the project

We want to improve everyday life across the city, tackle climate change, and improve health and wellbeing. To help achieve this ambition, we’re investing in transport infrastructure to make Leeds safer for people walking, wheeling* and cycling. 

This supports our transport strategy for Leeds to be “a city where you don’t need to own a car”, aiming to increase walking by 33% and cycling by 400% by 2030.

The proposed scheme is a 1km route along Burmantofts Street and Beckett Street, which connects the city centre to St James’s Hospital and the neighbouring areas of Burmantofts, Lincoln Green, Richmond Hill and Harehills. The area is home to St James's Hospital, Shakespeare Medical Practice, local schools and community centres. 

A consultation was held in 2019 which focused on improvements for bus and cycle users in the area, and there was overall support for the proposals. We have now received government funding to develop and deliver a scheme to make it easier and safer to travel along Burmantofts Street and Beckett Street in greener and healthier ways.

*Wheeling incorporates many methods for getting around, including using wheelchairs, mobility scooters, walking aids and travelling with a pram or pushchair.

Casualties along the route

Between 2017-2023 there have been 67 reported casualties* along the route. This includes 12 serious collisions and 1 pedestrian fatality. 

Our road safety investment aims to improve safety for all road users and support Vision Zero – aiming to have zero deaths and serious injuries on Leeds roads by 2040. 

*Casualties refer to the number of people hurt or killed in a collision. A collision refers to the number of incidents and can involve multiple casualties.

Objectives of the scheme

We are proposing a scheme to:

• Make the area more pedestrian friendly, accessible and easier to cross
• Improve cycle infrastructure and connectivity for people cycling
• Improve bus journeys, making them quicker and more reliable
• Make the area safer for everyone, reducing the number and risk of collisions
• Provide a cleaner and healthier place to live in and travel through

Have your say

Read our plans and have your say in the survey.

Image 1: Pedestrians walking along grass verges to reach nearby areas

Image 2: Cyclist using the road along Beckett Street

Image 3: Pedestrians waiting to cross the road near Heron Foods

Image 4: Cyclist using the road along Beckett Street