Bingley residents came together on Saturday, 8th August, to mark the opening of a freshly upgraded 500-metre section of the Aire Valley Greenway along the Leeds and Liverpool Canal.
The project focused on a popular stretch of towpath along National Cycle Network Route 66, running between the historic Bingley Five Rise and Three Rise Locks. The work was carried out by the Walk Wheel Cycle Trust, formerly Sustrans, alongside the Canal & River Trust and Bradford Council.
“These vital improvements are already allowing more people to get out into nature and explore the heritage and history of the area and the iconic Bingley Five Rise and Three Rise Locks.”
— Sarah Bradbury, Senior Network Development Manager at Walk Wheel Cycle Trust
Paid for by Active Travel England, the upgrades widened and resurfaced the old, uneven path. The smooth new surface eliminates muddy puddles and makes the scenic route far easier to navigate for parents with buggies, people using mobility aids, cyclists, and everyday walkers.
The weekend celebration included local heritage walks and family activities, giving residents a chance to test out the route right away. Sean McGinley from the Canal & River Trust highlighted that the project helps protect the historic canal structure while making one of the region’s famous landmarks more welcoming to everyone.
To learn more about the project or view route details, head over to the Walk Wheel Cycle Trust website.
