SEVERAL new active travel measures are being rolled out in Ilkley.

Bradford Council has started delivery of a number of measures which will see more people travel by bike, on foot and via public transport while easing the pressure on local congestion.

Part of the government’s Emergency Active Travel scheme, the Bradford district programme will be delivered in two phases with the second phase still awaiting approval from central government.

The first phase to be completed this month will cost £600,0000 and includes:

• Secure cycle stands at nineteen council car parks along with facilities at Bradford Royal Infirmary, Airedale Hospital and St Lukes Hospital. The nineteen locations include: Railway Road, Ilkley; Wharf View, Ilkley and Wesley Place, Silsden.

Other schemes include:

• A pocket park which includes cycle facilities at South Hawkesworth Street Car Park in Ilkley.

• A new crossing at Ilkley Grammar School with supporting guard railing.

• Wider footpaths and new signals at Wheatley Lane Bridge and Ben Rhydding.

Proposals are being developed for a £2.3m second phase which will be completed by April 2021.

Options being considered include:

• A Schools Streets pilot project at ten schools across the Bradford district involving temporary road closures on surrounding streets at opening and closing times.

Councillor Alex Ross-Shaw, Portfolio Holder for Regeneration, Planning and Transport, said: “These new measures will encourage people to choose more active modes of travel and will make our roads cleaner, safer and quieter.

“They will also improve air quality, make neighbourhoods more pleasant and enhance people’s health and wellbeing.”

* In addition West Yorkshire Combined Authority is currently conducting a feasibility study into a car park at Ben Rhydding. Ilkley councillor Anne Hawkesworth has been contacted by concerned residents worried work is due to take place. However, she said: “In order to reassure all, the work currently taking place is a feasibility study and currently no funding is available to move on further. Residents must be able to view any plans when this is eventually in planning process.”