10 years on, the Tour de France’s lasting legacy in West Yorkshire
The famous Grand Depart set off from Leeds in July 2014 and passed through much of West Yorkshire, including Huddersfield, Keighley and Otley. Here are our top 10 cycling and walking highlights 10 years on.
July 2024
Can you believe it’s been 10 years since the Tour de France Grand Depart set off from Leeds? Neither can we. Where does the time go?
We’re proud of all the progress that’s been made over the past decade to make it easier to cycle and walk across West Yorkshire.
And, as ever, our region is only ever as strong as our partnerships. Go Team West Yorkshire!
We know there’s always more work to be done, but here are our top 10 highlights 10 years on.
Our top 10 cycling and walking highlights 10 years on
1. We’ve built or improved more than 100km of new cycling and walking routes.
2. The cycle counters on our routes have been travelled over more than 13 million times, with nearly three million of those on our award-winning Bradford Leeds Cycle Superhighway.
3. We helped launch West Yorkshire’s first public e-bike hire scheme in Leeds.
4. Nearly 6,000 people have attended our free adult cycle training sessions.
5. We’ve provided more than 650 bikes to people who need our help the most.
6. Nearly 18,000 school pupils have attended one of our free cycle skills sessions, with more than 60% of those learning to ride a bike for the first time.
7. We’ve delivered more than 2,700 new bike and scooter parking spaces in schools.
8. We’ve supported more than 500 businesses to become more cycling and walking friendly.
9. We’ve funded more than 120 organisations at the heart of our communities to help people cycle and walk.
10. Our network of community hubs – one stop shops where people can access all their cycling and walking needs - is set to expand to more than 20 locations later this year.