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FIVE.. Reallocation of roadspace
Making space for cyclists
Cycling is as much a real form of transport as cars or buses and the needs of cyclists must be taken into account when allocating road space. Cyclists constitute a quarter of Cambridge commuters and should be given more roadspace to reflect this.
The mindset that says it is acceptable to designate inadequate pavements as cycleway, rather than spending real money on proper on-road provision is unacceptable. Cyclists are fully fledged road users, not pedestrians on wheels, and they have as much right to fast, safe and convenient routes as any other vehicle.
This does mean that sometimes decision-makers have to accept that unless, for instance, the number of car lanes at a junction is reduced, or car parking removed at key points, there will be no way to create a good quality cycling environment.
For instance, cycling conditions on Queen’s Road along the Backs and Gilbert Road are presently extremely poor. But removing the car parking in these areas would create the space for continental-style, high-quality, cycle routes. The Councils should work towards gradual removal of car parking in favour of space for cyclists and walkers.
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