A GROUNDBREAKING map has been created in a bid to encourage residents and visitors in part of the district to ditch their cars and opt for greener forms of travel.

The Bingley Rural Green Travel Map – believed to be the first of its kind – spotlights ten particular places to enjoy in the area, together with details of bus, walking and cycling routes.

It includes the St Ives estate, Harden, Cullingworth, Wilsden and Denholme.

The map – which is being distributed free through shops, other venues and online – has been produced by the Bingley Rural Green Travel Project, which involves local councils and volunteers.

Its launch, just ahead of Bradford's clean air zone being introduced, is the culmination of a year-long initiative designed to get people thinking about green travel.

With concerns about rising traffic levels in the area – and associated pollution and road safety issues – views were collated from hundreds of people about how public transport, walking and cycling might be made more convenient and appealing for locals and visitors.

Findings are being considered by the local councils and discussed with Bradford Council and West Yorkshire Combined Authority as part of a wider push to clean-up the air and cut carbon from transport.

People can continue to submit their ideas and experiences of green travel in the area at bingleyrural.communitymaps.org.uk/welcome.

The Bingley Rural Green Travel Project is run by Cullingworth and Harden village councils, Denholme Town Council and Wilsden Parish Council, working with the charity Sustrans and social enterprise Mapping for Change. Support is provided by Shipley Area Committee.

Cllr Jools Townsend, of Harden Village Council, said: "The project aims to get people thinking, talking and airing their views on green travel, and exploring how we can help more people to get around and visit this beautiful area without adding to traffic and pollution. It’s been fantastic hearing people responding positively; there are clearly many opportunities for encouraging and enabling greener, healthier journeys by public transport, walking and cycling.

"The mode of transport we use is not often at the forefront of people’s minds, but cutting car use and using the alternatives whenever possible is one of the best ways we can tackle the climate emergency, improve our health and environments, and counter rising fuel costs. We hope our new map will inspire more people to explore Bingley Rural by foot, bike, bus and train."