Cambridge charity hopes £2.4m 'cycle street' is boost to cyclist safety
It's thought to be England's first street of its kind
A cycling charity says England's first 'cycle street' in Cambridge will go far in keeping all cyclists safe.
The £2.4 million scheme on Adams Road sees cyclists take priority over drivers, with widened footpaths and less street parking for vehicles.
Building work on the road - a key route for commuters between West Cambridge and the city centre - started in October last year with vehicles expected to travel at the same speed as cyclists.
"I've cycled on this road before, and beforehand, there was a lot of parking here, a lot of car movements, it felt quite unsafe, the visibility was bad," Anna Williams, of Camcycle, said.
"The changes to this street will really improve safety for people of all ages."
The Greater Cambridge Partnership (GCP) said up to 3,000 cyclists use Adams Road every day, with this figure set to rise due to nearby development taking place.
Adams Road forms part of the Comberton Greenway project, one of 12 greenway routes that the GCP hopes will improve walking, wheeling and cycling in and around Cambridge.
Other works include:
• The installation of rainwater gardens along the road’s edge which act as drainage
• Improvements to the existing junction with Grange Road
• Construction of an upgraded junction giving greater priority to pedestrians at Adams Road and Sylvester Road
• More additional crossings along Adams Road
Mixed views
It is a scheme that has led to mixed views from local people, such as on widened pavements and how money has been spent.
"I think people are saying that money could've gone on potholes (repairs); there are different pots of funding for transport," Anna said.
"The GCP have pots for scheme sot help more people walk, cycle and take the bus.
"The key things is it (Adams Road) will reduce the amount and speed of traffic because people walking and cycling have priority, so cars will travel at their speed."
The GCP said changes to Adams Road aim to solve issues caused by narrow pavements and busy junctions.
Work on the painting of road markings is due to be complete in the coming weeks.
“It's a significant milestone in the progression of the Comberton Greenway," Jonatham Camp, project manager at the GCP, said.
"We may still need to temporarily close parts of Adams Road while the last remaining work is carried out.
"We’d like to thank the residents of Adams Road for all their support and patience throughout construction.”