New Bike and Street Trading Rules Coming to Leeds City Centre

Briggate Action Plan

Cyclists will be required to walk their bikes through parts of Leeds city centre during the day, while new restrictions on street traders will also be introduced under plans designed to improve pedestrian safety.

New rules covering bicycles, e-bikes and some street trading activities are set to be introduced in some of the busiest parts of Leeds city centre.

The changes form part of Leeds City Council’s Briggate Action Plan, which received overwhelming support during a public consultation last year.

Under the new regulations, people will be required to walk rather than ride bicycles and e-bikes through the pedestrianised shopping area between 10.30am and 8pm every day.

The council estimates around 1,100 bikes currently travel along Briggate each day, including heavier bikes used by some delivery riders. It says some can reach speeds of up to 45mph, creating a potential safety risk for pedestrians.

New restrictions will also apply to certain street trading activities, including mobile traders known as pedlars.

The restrictions will be extended during major events including Leeds Pride, Light Night Leeds and the Leeds Christmas Market, when large numbers of traders can gather in busy areas.

The council says this can cause access problems on key routes, as well as being associated with some anti-social behaviour and the sale of counterfeit goods.

Anyone who breaches the new regulations could receive a £100 Fixed Penalty Notice, although the council says enforcement will be proportionate during the initial period.

A Leeds City Council spokesperson said the measures were intended to address issues residents and visitors had raised about safety and enjoyment of the city centre.

The pedlar restrictions are expected to take effect on 1 October 2026, while the new rules for bikes in pedestrianised areas are due to be introduced by the end of the year.

More from Local and National News

On Air Now Naats 5:00am - 6:00am

Listener Club

Get more with the Listener Club!

  • Alim OnAir Alim OnAir

    Have you a question about the religious, cultural or tradition aspect of Islam? Then join Hazrat Maulana Fazal Dad in the weekly show every Friday between 8-9pm.

  • The Golden Era The Golden Era

    The golden era of Bollywood celebrated in this weekly show full of classics taking you back in time. Every Sunday between 5pm - 7pm

  • Legal Show Legal Show

    Once a fortnight we dedicate a show to discussing legal issues and family / matrimonial law in particular. Alternate Friday mornings between 9am-11pm.

  • Remix Saturdays Remix Saturdays

    Every Saturday evening we turn to remixes of hit songs to get you in the Saturday night party mood! Every Saturday between 5pm - 8pm