Cyclists ‘face safety risks’ by possible Cambridge to Cambourne busway route
Campaigners are warning that a possible busway route proposed along a busy cycle route could put riders at risk because the number of cyclists has not been checked properly.
The Greater Cambridge Partnership is currently considering two options for the proposed Cambridge to Cambourne bus route, one of which would run through Adams Road, and the other of which would run through the Rifle Range.
But resident Dan Strauss, who is against the plan, says the GCP’s traffic data is six years old and that the Adams Road route is now so busy with cyclists that plans to send 20 or more buses an hour down the road would impact their safety.
He said: “The issue about the last traffic survey having been conducted six years ago was revealed by Jo Baker, of Mott MacDonald, the chief engineer employed by the GCP, when he made a presentation to the neighbourhood at the Selwyn Diamond.”
He added that an automatic cycle counter being relied on by the GCP “does not measure any cycle traffic using Adams Road and turning left into the Athletics Centre or turning right into Wilberforce Road.”
A GCP spokesman said: “We have to tackle the growing demand and congestion in Greater Cambridge, which is why we have developed a strategy to deliver high-quality public transport routes and vastly improved cycling and walking links. This will mean thousands of people will be able to travel quickly, sustainably and more reliably into the city - meaning fewer cars on the roads and more opportunities for work, leisure or study.
“Our dedicated public transport routes will form the first phase of the Cambridgeshire Autonomous Metro (CAM) and we continue to work with the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority on proposals for the metro.
“We have always been clear that we continue to refine the route for the Cambourne to Cambridge scheme ahead of the preferred scheme being presented to our executive board in early 2020.
“As part of this, the GCP is considering the best way of connecting the section from West Cambridge to Grange Road following further detailed assessment of the two possible options – either via the Rifle Range or Adams Road. The Adams Road option is being revisited in light of a number of factors, including the impact of the Rifle Range option on the Green Belt and the West Fields.
“We know this is a popular cycling route and the proposed removal of on-street parking on Adams Road would reduce car traffic and create more space for cyclists. The number of bus movements would be low, around 20 per hour, and low emission vehicles would be limited to 20mph.
“Identifying a preferred route involves assessing many factors such as journey reliability and economic benefits, and engaging with people affected, whose feedback is reflected in scheme design where possible. We will continue to engage with stakeholders and residents ahead of a decision on the Cambourne to Cambridge scheme by the GCP Executive Board early next year.
“The GCP has recently undertaken a traffic survey to update previous data, which was planned to take place after the start of the academic year to reflect busy periods. A permanent cycle counter sited on Adams Road has provided cycling data.”
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“A full road safety audit will be carried out as part of scheme development and, should the Adams Road route be used, it is proposed that cyclists could also use a fully segregated route along the Rifle Range as part of Comberton Greenway. We will also consult shortly on proposals for segregated walking and cycleways to improve journeys on Madingley Road, which would be in use before the Cambourne to Cambridge project is scheduled to be completed in 2024.”
Information on the C2C project and route proposals is available on the GCP website, including the decision to revisit the Adam’s Road option - https://www.greatercambridge.org.uk/transport/transport-projects/cambourne-to-cambridge/cambourne-to-cambridge-the-route/