Stately home bike park teaches cycling safety

As the birthplace of Lord Darnley, husband to Mary Queen of Scots, the sprawling grounds of Temple Newsam are as idyllic as you would expect at a historic mansion. Now, among the rolling hills and formal gardens, sit traffic lights and level crossings, with the opening of a bike park designed to replicate real roads.

The attraction is the first of its kind in Leeds and enables young cyclists to learn to ride a bike safely.

James Gibson, Leeds City Council's executive member for environment, said: "It looks exactly like roads they are going to encounter - hopefully this will give them the confidence going forward to get on their bike.

"If we want young people to get on their bikes and access job opportunities, green spaces and even the city centre, then it is incumbent on us to give them the skills to feel confident to do that and this is a perfect setting."

Visiting the park for the first time, parent Tom Ellis said his sons had been "ecstatic" and "could not get off their bikes".

He joked that even he had learned some new road signs, adding it made him feel "more confident" as a dad to think of his children going out riding on roads in the future.

Mum Vicky Oliver agreed: "With the world getting as busy as it is and the roads getting as busy, it is a nice easy way to practise and enjoy it in a safer environment."

While parents are given peace of mind, children at the bike park relish the opportunity for play.

"I like to go fast," said three-year-old Arthur.

"I think it is really good and fun," added Penelope.

The seven-year-old was visiting the park for the first time with her twin sister Beatrix, who said the signs were clearly visible and "easy" to navigate.

"It is really dangerous if you do not know what the signs mean," said seven-year-old Isabelle, adding the traffic lights were her favourite part of the park.

The attraction, in Temple Newsam's golf club, is part of a £2m investment in the estate, which also incorporates a new playground, paths, roadworks, terrace and a cafe development.

The park has been praised by the government-backed Bikeability Trust which aims to increase the number of people cycling across the UK.

Its CEO Emily Cherry said: "When more children have access to opportunities like this, we see stronger cycling skills, increased confidence and a lasting positive impact on their health, wellbeing and everyday mobility.

"Facilities like the new bike park in Leeds are a brilliant way for children to build real Bikeability skills in a safe, engaging environment."

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