Bus stop layout on Headingley Lane

We've raised the concerns that we and residents have had about the arrangement of the bus stop on Headingley Lane in particular.

Although not in our ward it is used by lots of our constituents. Equally, many of our constituents use this cycle lane and don't want to feel that they are coming into conflict with people getting the bus!

For those who don't know, some of the bus stops where the road and pavement narrows require bus users to cross the cycle lane to get onto the bus.

Cyclists can come down this lane at a reasonably high speed and people feel unsafe, even if there haven't been any recorded incidents at this or other similar bus stops in Leeds.

Our view is that the crossing should be formalised into a pedestrian crossing, with a waiting area for bus users as they get onto the bus. This can be well highlighted and make it clear to cyclists what's happening and that they need to slow as they approach and stop at the crossing.

We've raised this with senior transport managers and this view is backed by Headingley and Hyde Park Labour Councillor Jonathan Pryor.

This has been taken on board and the update we've pasted below highlights that they are having conversations with the national transport body 'Active Travel England', who funded the A660 scheme and who are looking at this issue nationwide.

We will get a change here, and we'll keep you updated about it.

Update from transport team:

"We are aware of the concerns raised regarding the bus stop arrangements along the A660, Headingley Lane - specifically those with the bus stop border cycle layouts. Please be assured that this scheme has been designed in line with national design standards and has undergone several stages of review and quality assurance throughout its development.

We also understand that there is a national review currently taking place into this type of bus stop layout, and that new schemes proposing similar arrangements have been paused pending the outcome of that review. While this does not directly affect the A660 scheme - where the relevant works were either completed or under construction before the pause - Leeds City Council takes feedback from residents and road users very seriously.

Our officers are continuing to work proactively with partners, including Active Travel England and the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, to explore options that could help improve safety, clarify how these spaces should be used, and encourage more considerate behaviour among all users.

I appreciate that this may not directly resolve your concerns at present, but I hope this information reassures you that we are actively listening and working to address the issues raised by yourself and other members of the public."