Kirkstall Forge hosts event to learn from Copenhagen as an exemplar cycling city

At Kirkstall Forge, CEG runs regular ‘Different by Design’ thought leadership events inviting renowned speakers from around the world to share their knowledge on topics including design, regeneration, sustainability and wellbeing.

Last night Klaus Bondam, Danish Cyclists Federation CEO, visited Kirkstall Forge (2 Oct 19) to speak to a sell-out crowd at the latest event from the Different by Design event series.

As the former Technical Mayor of Copenhagen, Klaus highlighted how this global leading city has ensured more people now commute by bike than car following decades of planning, investment and strong political leadership. In Copenhagen almost 50% of all journeys made to work and study to/from Copenhagen are made by bike.

Aisling Ramshaw from CEG, said: “At Kirkstall Forge we have embedded cycling, walking and rail transport at the heart of our development and we are constantly looking at the best examples from around the world to learn from.

“With a new railway station on the site, a cycle spa, bike hire, bike maintenance sessions and cycling and walking clubs we are already achieving a modal shift encouraging those who work here to choose more sustainable ways of getting to work. We now have even more ideas for how we can make Kirkstall Forge a low carbon and active travel destination.”

Klaus Bondam said: “I cycled to Kirkstall Forge on the canal towpath from the city centre and see there is a fantastic opportunity as part of this and the Temple developments, to create the best possible active sustainable mobility.

“It will not happen overnight. It takes a vision that many need to sign up to, but it is great to see CEG embracing that opportunity.”

Klaus was joined by Landscape Architect, Pete Swift, Managing Director of Planit-IE, who presented CEG’s plans for its Kirkstall Forge and Temple developments.

All proceeds from last night’s event were donated to local cycling charity Wheels 4 Fun. This Leeds-based cycling group helps adults with physical disabilities to access bikes and cycling opportunities.