New Cycle Route for Leyland

THE wheels are well and truly in motion to complete a new cycle route around Leyland.

The first stretch of the ‘Leyland Loop’ has been completed and spans from Dunkirk Lane to Longmeanygate.

Delivered by South Ribble Borough Council through the Leyland Neighbourhood Forum, this initial ‘demonstrator section’ is an example of what the whole route could look like – featuring bicycle access gates and maintenance posts (with bicycle pumps too!).

It’s a free, multi-use track open to walkers, cyclists and horse riders.

And there is a potential for the new cycle track to be extended in future so that it links communities across South Ribble – offering a safe route for residents to cycle to and from work, school, and the borough’s leisure facilities.

Councillor Jane Bell, Chair of the My Leyland Neighbourhood Forum, said: “The feedback I’ve had so far is brilliant and everyone tells me what a pleasant route it is!

“They love using the route to walk their dog, enjoy our fantastic open spaces with their children, feed the ducks, go for a jog – there are so many uses for the Leyland Loop!

“When you add horse riders and cyclists into the mix, you start to see what a great concept a circuit around Leyland is.

“We really hope we can we add more stretches to the loop in the future.”

The Leyland Loop is being touted as a perfect place to take children to learn to ride their bike and for residents of all ages to rekindle their interest in cycling.

The scheme is part of the council’s commitment to encourage people to use the borough’s green, open spaces to be more fit and active.

Councillor Phil Smith, cabinet member for regeneration and leisure at South Ribble Borough Council, said: “Improving our residents’ health and wellbeing is a top priority for the council and the Leyland Loop is just one example of the authority investing to help boost access to leisure facilities.

“It’s a fantastic scheme and one we are extremely proud to be a part of – I’d urge our residents, young and old, to get on their bike and give it a try!”

Photos show:

‘Leyland Loop 1’  —  (L-R)  [all councillors from SRBC]  Councillor Matthew Tomlinson; Councillor Phil Smith;  Councillor Jane Bell; Councillor Sue Jones; SRBC’s Assistant Project Engineer, Nathan McCracken.

‘Leyland Loop 2’  —  Councillor Matthew Tomlinson uses one of the Loop’s bicycle maintenance posts.