A joined-up active travel network for Cambridgeshire
There are now less than 24 hours left to respond to the consultation on the county’s proposals for a Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan. Thanks to all who have supported residents in sharing their views; we’ve worked with fellow campaigners across the county from Wisbech and Huntingdon to Milton and Swavesey to spread the word. We want to see missing links (like this one near Wyton) joined up so that everyone in our county that wants to walk and cycle is able to do so for more of their journeys. Read more of our views on our blog.
We’ve also been encouraging responses to the consultations on phase two of the Active Travel Scheme programme and the ‘Cycling Plus’ consultation on priority routes for improvement within the Greater Cambridge area.
Accessible routes for all
All cycling and walking routes should be safe and accessible for everyone who want to use them. At last month’s meeting of the county’s Highways & Transport committee, we called for an inclusive barrier design on King’s Parade which provided space for cargo cycles, tricycles and disability-adapted cycles, while keeping the pavements clear for people walking or using wheelchairs or mobility scooters. This month, we’re calling for the bus gate scheme on Mill Road to be maintained, with additional changes made to improve accessibility for all. We also welcome the recommendation to replace the dangerous barriers near the A14 bridges at Swavesey and Bar Hill with a safe arrangement of bollards. We are glad to see recognition of the significance of the government’s new cycling guidance, LTN 1/20, and the importance of fully-inclusive active travel.
Empowering more people to cycle
We know from Sustrans research that 15% of people in the Greater Cambridge area don’t cycle, but would like to, and we’re determined to help break down the barriers which are stopping them ride. At our last monthly meeting, we welcomed Mark Searle from Outspoken Cycles who talked about the county’s new ‘Try Before You Buy’ e-cargo bike scheme. Businesses can trial an e-cargo bike for just £30 for 4 weeks and families for £25 for 2 weeks.
Meanwhile, a new programme to empower more women to cycle is launching in Cambridgeshire this week. JoyRiders Cambridgeshire has trained new ride leaders from Sawston to Somersham and is beginning its confidence-building rides in Eddington on Thursday. Find out more about the programme in the latest issue of Camcycle magazine.