Major improvements and new lighting on Spen Valley Greenway
Spen Valley Greenway between Cleckheaton and Liversedge has officially reopened with a special ribbon cutting service attended by local residents, Councillors and MPs.
Delivered in partnership with the Walk Wheel Cycle Trust this two-kilometre stretch of greenway now has a smooth surface, improve access ramps, LED lighting and better signage.
Local residents joined in the festivities by decorating their bikes and playing pedal-powered arcade games. There was also a chance to try out a range of adapted cycles along the path.
The project was funded by West Yorkshire Combined Authority’s Transforming Cities Fund, as part of the A638 Dewsbury – Cleckheaton Sustainable Travel Corridor and aims to connect communities to jobs, training, education and services in Dewsbury, Heckmondwike, Cleckheaton and beyond.
Geoff Render rides a tricycle following a cycling accident. Geoff said:
“Last year this section was bumpy and there were tree roots in the way,” he explains. Now I can get on that bit and not worry about falling off.”
Councillor Moses Crook, Deputy Leader of Kirklees Council and Cabinet Member for Transport said:
“The transformation of this stretch of the Spen Valley Greenway has been essential in creating an inclusive and welcoming route for people of all ages and abilities, making walking, wheeling and cycling an attractive and realistic travel option for everyone.
“It’s a beautiful place for the community to enjoy nature, explore, and support a healthier lifestyle right on their doorstep. We look forward to working together with Walk Wheel Cycle Trust to create more dedicated active travel routes across Kirklees.”
Xavier Brice, Chief Executive of the Walk, Wheel, Cycle said:
“The Spen Valley Greenway is a perfect example of what happens when people have access to healthier transport choices.
“At peak times it’s bustling with families on bikes, children walking or wheeling to school, and people commuting to work, study or railway stations. The new surface and access ramps open up the path to many more people, using mobility aids, buggies and larger cycles.”
Mayor of West Yorkshire Tracy Brabin said:
“I’m proud that we’re improving greenways like this so that more people can experience our region’s beautiful countryside.
“Being outside is great for your health and wellbeing, however you choose to get around West Yorkshire.
“Creating safe, accessible walking and cycling routes for everyone is an important part of our vision for an integrated Weaver Network and a better-connected region.”
Kim Leadbeater, MP for Spen Valley, said:
“The Spen Valley Greenway is such a fantastic asset for the area, connecting communities with a beautiful place away from traffic, to walk, wheel and cycle. These improvements will help make it easier for people of all abilities to access the path, and the shops, amenities and transport links along it.
“The greenway will play a vital role to enable more people to choose healthier and greener alternatives to motor transport.”
National Cycle network
The greenway is part of the National Cycle Network, which was started by Sustrans 30 years ago. The UK charity recently changed its name to Walk Wheel Cycle Trust, and continues work with partners to improve the quality and accessibility of routes such as these, across the Network. Find out more about Walk Wheel Cycle Trust’s work to improve the quality and accessibility of the Network, for everyone.