A new programme of projects to encourage walking and cycling across Cambridgeshire, is set to be launched.
This follows on from a series of government-funded active travel schemes which were introduced in the early months of the pandemic, a number of which have now been made permanent.
Now Cambridgeshire County Council is set to start phase two of its active travel projects, which will see more cycle lanes, traffic restrictions and lower speed limits in areas around the county.
Cllr Alex Beckett, chair of the Highways and Transport Committee at Cambridgeshire County Council, said: “Active travel is one of our top priorities and we are committed to making sure that everyone in the county has access to good walking, cycling and equestrian routes. I’d like to thank the cross-party members who have been involved in looking into these schemes and I look forward to seeing the projects being rolled out and how they positively impact our communities.”
The first part of the programme, to be delivered between now and August, includes the following active travel schemes:
Reduced traffic lanes and new protected cycle lanes at Trumpington Street/Lensfield Road/Fen Causeway mini-roundabouts
A permanent change of priority in Silver Street/King’s Parade to improve cycle and pedestrian safety
New sections of protected cycle lanes on East Road and Cowley Road in Cambridge
Restrictions to through-vehicles on Church Street, Chesterton
Lower speed limits and traffic calming measures between Brook Road and High Street in Bassingbourn
Introduce two-way cycling in Ambury Road, Huntingdon
Secure cycle lockers at Wisbech Bus Station.
The second part of the delivery programme, to be published in July, will include further schemes, about which the council says it will publish more information in due course.
At the same time, the Greater cambridge Partnership (GCP) is considering additional schemes as part of its current road classification review. These projects are being reviewed to ensure they align with GCP’s City Access Strategy and other projects which aim to reduce congestion and pollution and provide people with “better, healthier, and more sustainable options” for their journeys.
More information on the active travel schemes being delivered over the coming months can be found at: cambridgeshire.gov.uk/active-travel-fund-tranche-2
Some of the schemes will be installed on a temporary basis for up to 18 months. The decision to make a scheme permanent will follow the county council’s formal decision-making process and will take into account the success of the schemes and their usage.
The Highways and Transport Committee in March endorsed a draft Active Travel Strategy for Cambridgeshire. The strategy, once approved, will help the county meet its goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2045 and ensure active travel in Cambridgeshire becomes the primary option for local journeys.
It is currently being considered by stakeholders who are also helping to develop an action plan which includes a list of proposed areas of further work and potential investment.
Both the strategy and action plan are due to go out for public consultation late this year before being presented to the committee for adoption in early 2023.
The council is also installing additional cycle parking over the summer. This will see cycle stands placed near local amenities such as shops, cafés, play areas and leisure centres in Ely, St Ives, St Neots, Huntingdon, Ramsey, Whittlesey and Wisbech, as well as the villages of Mepal, Sutton, Haddenham, Stretham, Little Thetford, Littleport, Melbourn, Cottenham and Buckden. More information can be found here: cambridgeshire.gov.uk/active-travel-fund-cycle-parking
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