Cambridge Cycling Campaign

For more, better and safer cycling in and around Cambridge

Obstructions on cycle routes in Cambridge

River Bridges



River Bridge, Newnham

Five red marks
No trailers

Image of an obstruction, as described adjacent This narrow bridge, with shallow steps on each side, is on the route from Newnham to Trumpington Road. There are two parallel swing gates here – the second was installed only recently. For cyclists, using a swing gate is a race against time. Push open the gate and then try to whip your bike through it as quick as you can. If you aren’t fast enough the gate will slam down violently on the back of your bike (or the child sitting on it). Why no cattle grid? The steps are bad enough.
Fort St George Bridge, Midsummer Common

Midsummer Common end

Five red marks
No trailers

Image of an obstruction, as described adjacent Cyclists using this bridge have to negotiate no less than three sets of pinch stiles.
Fort St George Bridge, Midsummer Common

Top of ramp at the Midsummer Common end

Five red marks
No trailers

Image of an obstruction, as described adjacent Yet another pinch stile, and we’re not even over the bridge yet. The nearer of the three posts keeps cyclists away from the blind corner, but the further two should go.
Fort St George Bridge, Midsummer Common

Pretoria Road end

Five red marks
No trailers

Image of an obstruction, as described adjacent Yet another pinch stile. Everybody goes through the gap on the right, which has an arm missing. Why not give cyclists leaving the bridge priority over other vehicles? The southern exit from the cycle bridge on Rustat Road shows that this can be done safely.
Cutter Ferry Bridge, Midsummer Common

Cutter Ferry Lane end

Five red marks
No trailers

Image of an obstruction, as described adjacent More pinch stiles.
Cutter Ferry Bridge, Midsummer Common

Midsummer Common end

Five red marks
No trailers

Image of an obstruction, as described adjacent More pinch stiles, at a blind corner where the exit from the bridge meets the busy riverside cycle path. The ramp down from the bridge should be reconstructed and rerouted to improve visibility and eliminate conflicts here.