Work to make Adams Road in Cambridge the first official ‘cycle street’ in England beginning

Work is beginning on England’s first official cycle street.

Adams Road in Cambridge, which is used by more than 3,000 cyclists daily at peak times, will be redesigned to prioritise travel by bike and foot.

The remodel, due to begin on Monday (13 October), aims to address some of the existing risks posed by the current layout such as an over-crowded carriageway, narrow pavements and busy junctions.

Under the new scheme, motorists will give way to cyclists and much of the on-road parking will be removed. This will help eliminate blind spots for drivers exiting driveways and reduce the risk of car doors opening into the path of cyclists.

Redesigned junctions will also slow vehicle speeds, while raised crossings and wider footpaths will improve safety and accessibility for pedestrians walking or wheeling to school, work, campus, or into town.

Dan Strauss, who represents residents in Adams Road, said: “Change is so needed. Adams Road is a cycling success story but as it’s got busier, hundreds of parked cars are creating blind spots for motorists, pedestrians and cyclists.

“Fast-moving traffic, crowded pavements and constant near-misses have turned one of the busiest cycle routes in Cambridge into an unsafe cycling experience. As well as this, parents worry about letting children ride bikes or scooters, and families have watched loved ones using mobility aids forced to navigate one obstacle after another on narrow pavements.

“We’re a cycling city and we’re proud to be leading the way in showing how we can better share our roads to provide safe travel for all.”

Adams Road forms part of the Greater Cambridge Partnership’s Comberton Greenway, one of 12 new greenways – covering more than 150km – being delivered by the GCP to make it safer and easier for people to get around the local area.

Cllr Brian Milnes, chair of the GCP, said: “We’ve heard too many stories of cyclists being knocked off their bikes and car doors suddenly opening into their path, while elderly and vulnerable residents have to step into the road just to get around bins or parked cars.

“That shouldn’t be the reality on one of Cambridge’s busiest cycling routes. This project is about putting people first – making everyday journeys safer and easier for everyone.

“For this change to happen, there will be temporary disruption. We’ve worked hard to design a construction programme that is sensitive to the needs of residents and others using the street.

“We thank everyone in advance for your patience and co-operation as we work to make these much-needed changes a reality.”

Anna Williams, head of campaigns and engagement at Camcycle, said: “Adams Road is one of the busiest cycle routes in Cambridge with many times more people cycling than driving.

“We’re pleased to see work starting on the new cycle street and hope this is just the first of many in the city. Providing more space for people walking, wheeling and cycling will improve safety, encourage more people to choose active travel for their everyday journeys and create a nicer street for everyone who uses it.”

Alongside the road upgrades, Adams Road will feature innovative rain gardens and new green planting to help manage rainwater, reduce flooding, support pollinators, and boost biodiversity.

Works are currently under way in Coton – also a part of the Comberton Greenway – to make it safer to move around the village on foot or by bicycle.

Improvements include upgrading street lighting, resurfacing the highway and footpath, redesigning junctions, installing traffic-calming features and introducing a 20mph speed limit throughout the village.