Depending on how confident and fit a cyclist you are, there are a range of destinations that can be accessed by bike from Waterloo Sidings. Whether you’re a commuter, leisure rider, or family group, the area offers a mix of traffic-free paths, cycle friendly roads and connections to wider regional networks. For confident cyclists, Leeds City Centre can be accessed in under 20 minutes, using the segregated cycle lanes along York Road, while Cross Gates train station can be reached in under 15 minutes.
For more leisurely rides, you’re ideally located to take advantage of the green corridors, parks and scenic routes East Leeds has to offer and there are plenty of designated cycle routes to choose from. Close by, you’ll find the Wykebeck Way – a sign-posted route that uses quiet roads, cycle tracks and parkland paths through the Wyke Beck Valley. The path connects two of Leeds’ finest attractions, Roundhay Park and Temple Newsam.
Once in Temple Newsam, you can find miles of off-road cycling tracks through parkland and woodland making it a great destination for a scenic ride with the family. Its the ideal spot for a picnic or take a visit to the farm and café.
Cycle City Connect is a great resource if you’re unsure where to begin when it comes to cycling in West Yorkshire. Find route planning tools and information on cycle training opportunities.
For more information on cycling locally visit our useful cycling guides and resources page.
Planning a Journey by Bike
If you are unfamiliar with the local area and looking to plan a route by bike, an online route planner can be a really useful tool to use. You can enter your journey start point and end point and the route planner will display a number of route options on a handy map. Alongside easy to follow directions it will tell you how far the journey is, how long it will take, and even how hilly it is.
Cycle Streets is a handy website that allows you to plan your journey. Simply enter your start and end points and away you go!
Why cycle?
Cycling has always been a great way to travel around for those able to do so. It offers many personal benefits, such as improved health and cost savings. It also offers significant benefits to the environment and local community, helping to take cars off the road, reducing pollution and reducing congestion.
Cycling can also be a great commuter travel option. If you’re new to cycling or aren’t really sure where to start with your cycle commute then check out some of our handy guidance on buying a commuter bike, commuting by bike whatever the weather and the benefits of choosing to travel actively.