Wood cycle track plan is thrown out (From Keighley News)

Wood cycle track plan is thrown out

12:00pm Wednesday 16th January 2013 in News By Keighley News reporter

Bradford Council will not ‘formalise’ a downhill cycling course through Elam Wood in Riddlesden.

District councillor Doreen Lee, of Keighley East Ward, said the council had taken on board the opinions of local people unhappy with the plans.

“This is not to say cyclists can’t go through the woodland – we just wanted to emphasise it was still a place of quiet enjoyment without people racing through it and spoiling the pleasure of walkers,” she said.

“We are ready to work with local residents to set up a Friends Group to encourage people to get involved in the practical management of the woodland, and we are also prepared to talk to the cyclists about opportunities in other areas to develop cycling courses.”

Proposals for a downhill mountain course featured in a suggested management plan for the wood. But many residents voiced fears at neighbourhood forum meetings such a facility could become a “speed trail”.

Coun Andrew Thornton, Bradford’s executive member with responsibility for the environment, said: “We have to ensure people can enjoy their leisure time without coming into conflict with each other.”

Coun Andrea Walker, who represents Riddlesden & Stockbridge ward, said: “I was concerned both for the safety of walkers and cyclists, and this would also have devastated the nature down there.”