A FRESHLY upgraded walking and cycling route has officially opened to the public.
The improved section of the Aire Valley Greenway, part of National Cycle Network Route 66, runs along the Leeds and Liverpool Canal in Bingley between the Bingley Five Rise and Bingley Three Rise Locks.
Residents, councillors, and visitors gathered to mark the occasion with a community event on Saturday, August 8, featuring a heritage walk, face painting, and a pedal-powered smoothie maker.
Sarah Bradbury, senior network development manager for Yorkshire at the Walk Wheel Cycle Trust, said: "Thank you to everyone who came down and joined us for the festivities on Saturday.
"It was wonderful to speak to so many people and to see the impact this much-loved section of the Aire Valley Greenway has on local residents, families and visitors alike.
"We’re incredibly proud of the investment we have made in this historic route.
"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 Bingley Three Rise Locks.
"It was wonderful to see so many people enjoying this newly revamped route."
Walking, wheeling and cycling on the newly improved towpath
(Image: Paul Heyes/Walk Wheel Cycle Trust)
The project focused on a 500-metre stretch of towpath, which was widened and resurfaced to eliminate muddy patches and uneven surfaces.
The upgrades make the path safer and more accessible for people using mobility aids, families with buggies, and those on foot or bicycle.
These improvements were funded by Active Travel England and delivered by the Walk Wheel Cycle Trust—formerly known as Sustrans— in partnership with the Canal & River Trust and Bradford Council.
Sean McGinley, regional director at the Canal & River Trust, said: "It was great to see visitors enjoying using the newly resurfaced towpath, which provides much-loved walking and cycling routes for the local community and visitors.
"We’re delighted to have delivered this towpath improvement scheme, in partnership with Walk Wheel Cycle Trust and Bradford Council, providing better access to 'one of the wonders of the waterways', Bingley Five Rise Locks.
"As a charity, it’s so important that we work with other organisations to keep our historic canals open and alive."
Local councillors join staff and volunteers from Walk Wheel Cycle Trust and Canal & River Trust to officially open the newly improved route
(Image: Paul Heyes/Walk Wheel Cycle Trust)
The event also included a heritage walk along Bingley Bog, giving attendees the chance to explore the area's natural and industrial history.