England’s first “cycle street” has officially opened in Cambridge as part of efforts to improve safety and encourage sustainable travel. The £2.4m scheme on Adams Road gives priority to cyclists and pedestrians, while motorists are still permitted to use the road but must give way to cyclists.
The project forms part of the Greater Cambridge Partnership’s wider Comberton Greenway initiative, designed to improve walking and cycling connections between Cambridge and surrounding villages. Around 3,000 cyclists are said to use Adams Road every day.
The road has been painted red, pavements widened, and much of the on-street parking removed to improve visibility and reduce risks for cyclists. Final road markings are expected to be completed in the coming weeks.
Reaction from residents has been mixed. Some local people welcomed the changes, saying the redesigned road encourages drivers to be more aware of cyclists and improves safety. Others questioned whether the project was necessary, arguing Cambridge already has extensive cycling infrastructure.
Project leaders described the opening as an important milestone in the city’s wider sustainable transport plans.