Bingley Community Celebration Set for 8th August to Mark Greenway Improvements

Bingley residents and visitors are invited to join a free community celebration on Saturday, 8th August, to mark the completion of exciting improvements to the Aire Valley Greenway at the stunning Bingley Five Rise Locks. This event, organised by the Walk Wheel Cycle Trust in partnership with the Canal and River Trust and Bradford Council, promises a fun day out for all while highlighting the enhancements made along a key section of the National Cycle Network Route 66.

Exciting Improvements

The recent upgrades include the widening and resurfacing of 500 metres of the towpath along the Leeds and Liverpool Canal, specifically between the Bingley Five Rise and Bingley Three Rise Locks. These changes aim to create a safer, more accessible environment for everyone, whether walking, cycling, or using mobility aids. The muddy puddles and uneven paths that once made the route difficult to navigate have been replaced with a smooth, welcoming surface.

Funding for these improvements came from Active Travel England, with the work carried out by the Walk Wheel Cycle Trust, which is the new name for Sustrans, the custodians of the National Cycle Network. The Canal and River Trust, a charity dedicated to maintaining the waterways, and Bradford Council also played significant roles in this project.

Sarah Bradbury, the Senior Network Development Manager for Yorkshire at Walk Wheel Cycle Trust, expressed excitement about the upcoming celebration:

“We’re looking forward to bringing the local community together to celebrate this new and improved walking, wheeling and cycling route on this much-loved section of the Aire Valley Greenway. We’re incredibly proud to be investing in this historic route. These vital improvements will allow 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. Come and join us and help us celebrate—we’d love to see you there!”

Community Involvement and Activities

The community event will kick off at 10.30 am on 8th August at Bingley Five Rise Locks and is completely open to the public. Attendees can look forward to a variety of activities, including pedal-powered attractions and a guided heritage walk along the canal. These activities not only promise to be entertaining but will also educate visitors about the rich history of the area.

Mark Robinson, Enterprise Manager at Canal & River Trust, shared his enthusiasm about the project:

“This canal towpath is well used by the local community and 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. The towpath provides much-loved walking and cycling routes for the local community, visitors, and a home for wildlife.”