Zero Carbon Streets

Zero Carbon Streets is a campaign to help Cambridgeshire communities work together for a green recovery from Covid-19 and to play our part in reducing carbon emissions.

Transport makes up 44% of Cambridgeshire’s carbon footprint (higher than the UK average), so rapid change is needed if our county is to play its part in helping the UK reach net zero by 2050. The Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Independent Commission on Climate has made it clear that if we don’t act quickly to reach this target, global and local impacts will be severe and that the effects of climate change the UK faces – such as high temperatures, flooding and water shortages – will be particularly acute in our region.

We know that increasing the rates of active travel could have a significant impact on reducing carbon emissions. Over 60% of UK journeys between 1 and 2 miles are made by car, and recent research has shown that if 10% of the UK population were to replace one car trip each day with a journey by cycle, overall transport emissions would decrease by about 10%. Better infrastructure is proven to increase rates of active travel and local communities have ideas for improvements in their area, but often lack the technical and policy knowledge to develop their proposals further.

Building on 25 years of successful campaigning for better cycling in and around Cambridge, Camcycle wants to recruit a new Zero Carbon Streets champion to provide infrastructure advice and campaign support to Cambridgeshire groups working for walking and cycling improvements. Groups like Milton Cycling Campaign, Ely Cycling Campaign and Hunts Walking & Cycling Group have already told us our support for their work has been invaluable, but demand is growing. We want to expand our staff and volunteer team so we can increase our impact.

Together with communities across the county, we want to create a vision of an inspiring zero-carbon future and show decision-makers the important role that cycling and walking can have in tackling the climate crisis.

TAKE ACTION!

	Have your say on the latest cycling consultations Please share your experiences and ideas so local authorities can plan and prioritise cycling and walking improvements in your area. This blogpost lists the latest consultations  (plus a petition to the GCP calling for rapid improvements in walking, cycling and public transport). Of particular importance is the consultation on the Cambridgeshire Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan – a masterplan for active travel in Cambridgeshire. There is a short online survey, an interactive map and a selection of documents including cycling and walking maps and lists for each district of the county. We encourage everyone to get involved.
	Help us raise funds for a Zero Carbon Streets champion We need to raise £20,000 to make our dream of a Zero Carbon Streets champion a reality. 85 generous supporters have already raised over £10,000 for the cause via the Big Give Green Match Fund and we are now seeking pledgers for the Big Give Christmas Challenge. If you could donate over £500 and help us build our match funding pot, please get in touch before 2 July. You can also donate directly to Camcycle via our donation page or get in touch to discuss other ways of giving including the opportunity to become a Camcycle corporate supporter.
	Build the Zero Carbon Streets community Are you part of a group working for better walking and cycling in Cambridgeshire? We want to join walking groups, cycling groups, green groups and safety groups in a big campaign to deliver the sustainable transport of the future. Contact us and let’s begin to work together.
	Contact us about this campaign If you’d like to know more about this campaign, can help as a volunteer or are from a publication who would like a statement or press release about this campaign, please get in touch.
	Join Camcycle Become a member and help us campaign for Zero Carbon Streets and the local cycling issues you care about. Members receive weekly email updates, four issues of our quarterly magazine, access to Cyclescape, our online member forum, and discounts at local bike shops.