The document summarizes a project in Bradford, UK that aimed to improve pedestrian and cyclist access across a busy road. [1] A new footbridge was built with a gentle slope to provide safe crossing for school children, elderly, and disabled individuals. [2] Over 250,000 estimated trips were made on the new route in 2012, with most using it to access shops, work, and school. [3] The project successfully linked divided communities and increased transportation options in Bradford.

1. Based on route user intercept survey data from one
site at Crosscombe between Sept/Oct 2009 and
Oct 2012
The challenge
The busy Manchester Road carries thousands of vehicles a day into Bradford.
This dual carriageway, with a busy guided bus lane in the centre, is very difficult to cross
and separated people living on either
side. The only existing pedestrian
footbridge was narrow, steep and falling
into disrepair.
The solution
We created a network of wide avenues
for walkers and cyclists, which were
designed to take people away from
traffic where possible. We built a new
bridge with a gentle slope to ensure
easy and safe access for children
walking and cycling to school, the
elderly and disabled people.
The
Impact
259,996
estimated trips were
made on the route in 2012
73% of people use
the route to get to shops,
work and school
Over70%of people
said the route helped them
increase their level of activity
85%of people using
the route make the journey
at least twice a week
An ambitious project to revitalise the
urban environment in Bradford has linked
communities together and enabled safe,
easy access to the city centre on foot and
by bike
Case study:
bridging
communities
in Bradford
School
Work

2. Key
facts
Bradford, Yorkshire
Big Lottery Fund Grant
£1,500,000
The Scheme
Revitalising the urban
environment by developing
traffic-free routes into the
town centre for cyclists and
pedestrians which gives a
safe alternative to the noisy
and polluted Manchester
Road corridor
Scheme partners
Bradford Metropolitan
District Council,
Bradford Trident
Schools benefitting
from the scheme
Newby Primary,
St Josephs, Bowling Park,
St Stephens,
Dixons Academy
The scheme is part of
National Cycle Network,
Route 66
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66
The difference
The bridge connects communities either side of the main road. It’s now a main route to school
for children who go to Newby Primary School, right next to the bridge. Those using the National
Cycle Network for longer journeys now have a high quality route from Bradford city centre to
Dewsbury. With more than 85,000 people living within a mile, thousands are set to benefit
including pupils and staff from 3 other primary schools along the route.
The future
The scheme has been so successful that a plan is underway to extend the avenue concept
through a further regeneration area from the city centre to neighbourhoods in the north.
We will continue to work in the local area to provide ongoing support to people who want to
gain cycling skills and make sustainable travel choices.
Want to find out more?
Find out how we’re transforming local travel across the UK. Call 0117 926 8893,
email info@sustrans.org.uk or visit www.sustrans.org.uk.
“”Linking both sides of the road
which in the past has been very tough,
the Manchester Road has been a
great geographical boundary in terms
of people doing things only on one
side - it’s like opening up a bridge
between the two communities.
“”Charlie Burn, Bradford resident