Elections

Cambridge City Council elections, May 2022: Arbury

Summary: Elections to Cambridge City Council, May 2022
Polling date: Thursday 5th May 2022
Ward:
Candidates
(by surname):
  • Robert BOORMAN  (Conservative Party)
  • Iva DIVKOVIC  (Labour Party)
  • Timothy HAIRE  (Conservative Party)
  • Stephen LAWRENCE  (Green Party)
  • Peter POPE  (Green Party)
  • Patrick SHEIL  (Labour Party)
  • Fionna TOD  (Liberal Democrat)
  • Tim WARD  (Liberal Democrat)

Questions for Arbury ward candidates (7 questions)

Jump to question:  1   2   3   4   5   6   7 

# Question 1

The GCP's draft road hierarchy suggested that a modal filter (e.g. a bus gate) might be appropriate for Carlton Way/Mere Way. Camcycle members have also suggested a School Street in this area, outside Arbury Primary School. How would you reduce through-traffic in this area to make the route safer for people walking and cycling?

Robert BOORMAN
(Conservative Party)
The candidate has not responded to the survey.
Iva DIVKOVIC
(Labour Party)

The imminent GCP Milton Rd project is going to cause considerable disruption. The advice we’ve received is that consideration of modal filters should wait until that project is completed. All residents in the area should and will be consulted before any filter is introduced.
In relation to school streets, I will talk to residents who have had them in their area (Eg Romsey and Coleridge) to discuss their experiences.

We believe every child has a right to be able to walk or cycle safely to school and the Cambridge City Council is taking positive steps to encourage and facilitate walking and cycling with improvements to cycle routes and pedestrian access to make walking and cycling safer and enjoyable for all the family.

Timothy HAIRE
(Conservative Party)
The candidate has not responded to the survey.
Stephen LAWRENCE
(Green Party)

If I were to put a modal filter in this area I'd start with Stretten Avenue. It could be that Carlton/Mere Way is a good location. I might suggest having it there on a timed basis to start with to try to diffuse opposition, then if times needed (desired) to be extended, then to introduce gradually.

Peter POPE
(Green Party)
The candidate did not enter a response for this question.
Patrick SHEIL
(Labour Party)

Reducing Mere Way / Carlton Way through-traffic would benefit residents, pedestrians and cyclists. Full detailed consultation with residents would be essential ahead of any decision, but my sense is that any measures for discouraging use of Carlton Way / Mere Way by traffic from elsewhere will be good for clean air and good for safety.

Regarding possible modal filters elsewhere, the key question has to be whether the effect would be to reduce overall volume of motorised traffic, or whether the same amount of traffic will simply be pushed onto roads like - precisely - Mere Way and Carlton Way.

Measures to reduce congestion and engine-idling around the school are needed. Public consultation could inlcude a School Street question, as well as a bus gate question. As well as making for cleaner air, helping reduce carbon emissions and incentivising Active Travel choices, School Streets can also help to reduce noise polution for those living nearby.

Speeding and aggressive motorcycle use continue to be a problem along that road (Carlton Way / Mere Way), notwithstanding the speed cushions. Pinch-points and chicanes should be considered, or full traffic calming of the sort I have proposed for Perse Way in one of my Local Highways Improvement (LHI) bids this year.

Fionna TOD
(Liberal Democrat)

I support the creation of low-traffic neighbourhoods and as I walk down Carlton Way/Mere Way nearly daily, I know how awful the congestion can be there and how unpleasant that is, especially near a school. However, meaningful public consultation is critical when implementing a big change such as this, which has sadly been lacking in the past. In particular, we need to look at ways of reducing the number of school drop offs done by car, which requires engaging with parents about why they make the transport choices they do. The main challenge with a modal filter is: where does the displaced traffic go? This must be properly assessed so that we're not just pushing cars into other streets. What we really need is a city-wide approach that reduces the number of journeys made by cars, rather than focussing on specific streets and just displacing the problem.

Tim WARD
(Liberal Democrat)

We are broadly supportive of the creation of low traffic neighbourhoods by this means – but they won’t make sense everywhere and must be subject to meaningful public consultation. We won’t make up our minds until that has taken place, even if we favour consulting the public on them. In the particular case of Carlton Way / Mere Way it would necessary to understand where displaced traffic would go.

# Question 2

What is your experience of the recent changes made to Histon Road? What issues do you think still need to be resolved?

Robert BOORMAN
(Conservative Party)
The candidate has not responded to the survey.
Iva DIVKOVIC
(Labour Party)

The Cyclops junction has made real improvements and we are getting positive feedback from residents who cycle about the whole scheme, particularly in terms of segregation from cars.

However, pedestrians are concerned with the narrower footways, especially at the northern end of the scheme.

Timothy HAIRE
(Conservative Party)
The candidate has not responded to the survey.
Stephen LAWRENCE
(Green Party)

Pretty good. I think the pavement width is excessively narrow in places. Neither am I sure the bus lane is of sufficient benefit to justify narrowing the width for all the other modes. Buses would probably only use it during a very small fraction of the day. Whereas the disbenefits are 24/7.

Cambridge is a reasonably dry place, but I think the rain protection could be greater at bus stops.

Peter POPE
(Green Party)
The candidate did not enter a response for this question.
Patrick SHEIL
(Labour Party)

Personally i would like to see 20 mph along the entire length of Histon Road. Certainly it needs to happen between the Huntingdon Road junction and Gilbert Road. We need to be mindful of Aldi and Iceland shoppers on foot and especially the residents of Richard Newcombe Court, some of whom have restricted mobility. 20 mph has worked well and feels perfectly normal all along Cherry Hinton Road - which is longer and straighter (and used to be wider) than Histon Road. On Arbury Road - again long and straight - 20 mph now also feels quite normal.

As an occasional motorist, i find that anything more than 20 mph doesn't feel comfortable in the City as a whole, nor on Histon Road in particular. Moreover, as a frequent cyclist and regular pedestrian i'm glad and thankful when cars occasionally opt for the speed that is appropriate on Histon Road, i.e. 20 mph.

Pedestrians on the floating bus-stops could benefit from stronger protection in respect of the cycle lane. The slight rise in the level of that lane and small markings on the approach to a bus-stop are not always enough to prevent cyclists going by at speed. But pedestrians need priority at bus-stops. Too often, pedestrians are nearly knocked over. The bus-stop between Roseford Road and Molewood Close is one example of a site where the segregated cycle lane is not segregated enough. Railings on the cycle-lane side of the pedestrian island could help, with an accessibility-compliant gap for a designated crossing area. This designated crossing area would be preceded in the cycle lane itself by stonger markings and a more noticeable change in level. A mini-zebra (of the sort that has worked well elsewhere) could also help to protect pedestrians.

Fionna TOD
(Liberal Democrat)

As a cyclist and a pedestrian who uses the shops and parks off Histon Road quite frequently, I am broadly happy with the changes that have been made. Some of the junctions take a bit of getting used to on a bike (and in the car), but it does feel safer having a proper cycle lane and the placement of the pedestrian crossing seem to make more sense.

Tim WARD
(Liberal Democrat)

As a cyclist I find the changes an improvement overall, with one remaining issue being that there is still some parking in the cycle lanes, although this seems to happen less often outside Domino's than it used to.

As a motorist some of the turns that involve crossing more lanes than previously take a bit of getting used to, but that's always the case when improvements are made to roads.

There are a number of detailed issues some of which have been raised by the Histon Road Area Residents Association (HRARA), and some of which are being addressed by Liberal Democrat councillors on the County Council, and I support HRARA's efforts, throughout the entire project, to get the best outcome for as many users as possible.

We have also provided a more detailed response on Histon Road to HRARA's more detailed questionnaire.

# Question 3

Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Road Safety Partnership (now the Vision Zero Partnership) aimed to reduce the number of deaths and serious injuries to cyclists by 40% between 2015 and 2020, but it actually rose 2% during that time. Too many people are being hurt on our roads.

What do you think would most improve safety for people walking, cycling, using mobility aids and riding horses on the roads in your area? Which routes and junctions need the most urgent improvement?

Robert BOORMAN
(Conservative Party)
The candidate has not responded to the survey.
Iva DIVKOVIC
(Labour Party)

What would most improve the safety of people walking, cycling, using mobility aids and riding horses would be using estate improvement schemes to improve and resurface footpaths, introduce new and better lighting, secure storage and much more.

We are currently working on the Alex Wood Road - Mansel Way junction which needs better signage and markings. The visibility at the Akeman St, Bateson Rd, Stretton Ave Junction is also being improved as we are working with the S&OS team to keep the shrubs cut low enough to ensure there is good visibility.

Cycle theft is also a serious deterrent to cycling in the city. The City Council Crime Prevention Forum is actively working to reduce cycle crime by improving cycle parks, particularly at the stations and offering more, secure cycle parks around the city. We work with the Police Crime Commission which has made reducing cycle crime one of its five top priorities.

Timothy HAIRE
(Conservative Party)
The candidate has not responded to the survey.
Stephen LAWRENCE
(Green Party)

Probably dedicated cycle-only routes, and modal filters. A cycle network which is not full of holes. Attention to detail as to where most collisions occur - rather than where behaviour is most annoying.

Peter POPE
(Green Party)

I am not in a position to identify specific routes or junctions. I do believe that roads can be over-engineered. The new junction of Gilbert Road with Histon Road is too complex and so is the Dutch roundabout at Fendon Road. They feel like negotiating a maze and don't feel safe.

Patrick SHEIL
(Labour Party)

Existing 20 mph zones are inadequately regulated. We have speed cameras in some 30 mph zones but very few in 20mph zones. Yes, they exist on Cherry Hinton Road, but the frequency of law-breaking on, say, Victoria Road or Roseford Road - where sadly you will all-too-often see vehicles doing well over 20 mph - shows that enforcement is needed and lacking. Highways England should be lobbied to give consideration to the matter of more speed cameras for 20 mph zones.

There is a chronic shortage of 10 mph zones in residential areas across the City. 10 mph should be the standard expectation for residential areas, not least because such areas will by their very nature often involve twists, turns and blind bends. Many residents of Perse Way are in despair over the amount of speeding that goes on in what should be a quiet, safe neighbourhood. Whether or not my calming measures will have an effect or not remains to be seen. But unless we send strong signals that aggressive, and reckless driving will not be tolerated, more people and animals will be hurt and placed in danger.

Regarding the second part of the question, users of mobility scooters are regularly telling me that they are driven to distraction by having to go out out into the road in order to circumnavigate cars parked on pavements. We all know it's not allowed, but where is the enforcement? On the subject of horses, I was lucky enough to grow up in a place where making respectful space for horses and their riders was an acknowledged part of road etiquette. It was understood that horses might be startled by speeding noisy vehicles, and motorists would on the whole be mindful of this. But sadly i fear it might be some time before Cambridge will feel like a safe and welcoming place for this kind of road-user. However, a 20 mph standard for the City and far more 10 mph zones would be one step in the right direction.

Pedestrians will I hope be better protected on the Mansel Way crossing to The Good Shepherd by the improved signage for motorists on Alex Wood Road for which Cllr Dr Jocelynne A. Scutt and i submitted a Local Highways Improvement (LHI) bid this year. But the pedestrian experience could also be improved by giving attention to the very uneven pavements we see in parts of Arbury, French's Road being one example. I'm aware that under the new administration County Councillors are working hard with officers to remedy such issues and i fully support this work.

Cyclists have been placed in danger in recent years by the ever-deepening craters in Cambridge roads. Akeman Street and Darwin Drive are now firmly on our list, thanks to County Councillor Hilary Cox Condron and I understand that the Mitcham's Corner issues have now been successfully addressed. I also hope that on Hills Road where the craters in the cycle lane were for a time actually worse than in the car lanes, there has been remedial action. However, it is a while since i have cycled to work on that route so i am unsure of the current condition of these lanes.

Fionna TOD
(Liberal Democrat)

The goals of Vision Zero need more effective policy interventions if they are going to be achieved. Liberal Democrats in Cambridge brought in the existing 20mph speed limits in many parts of the city in 2014 and support current moves through the county council to expand these further in conjunction with communities. Within the city, we also believe the GCP’s ‘Making Connections’ goals of reducing the number of car journeys will support the Vision Zero. We would like to see provision wherever feasible segregated between pedestrians, cyclists and vehicles and that government guidance known as LTN/120 is embraced in the design of new infrastructure.

In Arbury, I would like to see improvements made roads with parked cars on either side, such as Stretten Avenue, which can feel quite perilous on a bike. The pavements also need improvement across the ward, something I have become increasingly aware of since having a baby and using a buggy.

Tim WARD
(Liberal Democrat)

The goals of Vision Zero clearly need more effective policy interventions if they are going to be achieved. Liberal Democrats in Cambridge brought in the existing 20mph speed limits in many parts of the city in 2014 - this project was my initiative - and support current moves through the county council to expand these further in conjunction with communities. Within the city, we also believe the GCP’s ‘Making Connections’ goals of reducing the number of car journeys will support the Vision Zero. We would like to see provision wherever feasible segregated between pedestrians, cyclists and vehicles and that government guidance known as LTN/120 is embraced in the design of new infrastructure.

# Question 4

Cambridgeshire County Council’s draft Active Travel Strategy says that our region’s transport network must put public health at its core. It points out that almost a third of 10 and 11 year olds in Cambridgeshire are obese and rates of cycling and walking are lowest among the over 40s.

What role do you think cycling can play in improving local residents’ health and wellbeing? What specific changes are needed to help the youngest and oldest residents in your area choose active modes, including walking, for more journeys?

Robert BOORMAN
(Conservative Party)
The candidate has not responded to the survey.
Iva DIVKOVIC
(Labour Party)

Active travel can contribute toward the recommended 150 minutes of physical activity for adults each week, which are hugely important for maintaining health. Physical inactivity directly contributes to 1 in 6 deaths in the UK.

As well as improving your health, walking just 15-20 mins a day has been proven to make you happier and lift your mood too. Walking regularly can reduce the risk of heart disease by 35%, while active travel helps manage stress and weight. Cycling is one of the quickest and healthiest forms of active travel. Health-promoting transport systems are pro-business and support economic prosperity. They enable optimal travel to work with less congestion, collisions, pollution, and they support a healthier workforce

In order to help younger and older residents feel confident using active modes such as cycling or walking in the city, we need to improve the footpaths and make cycle routes as well as storage completely safe and secure. Active travel is also important for greener living and reducing pollution in the city, so it is of fundamental importance to delivering our pledge to tackle the climate and biodiversity crises.

Timothy HAIRE
(Conservative Party)
The candidate has not responded to the survey.
Stephen LAWRENCE
(Green Party)

If some of the facilities they use were within "easy" cycling dstance that might help. Too often, however, people's lives are organised around trips which, though quite cyclable, are beyond what is an "easy" cycle for someone who is not used to cycling at all. Eg if shopping is done at a large supermarket, this will often be the case. And probably to address this question further out from CAmbridge too, so that there is not such a massive culture change if you move from rural to urban living. After all, many kids start their lives in rural locations, then morve to urban when they go to College.

Peter POPE
(Green Party)

A good start would be to promote the very concept of Wellbeing!

Consumer society portrays a motor vehicle as the visible reward for hard labour. Instead, a Wellbeing culture should enable us to feel good in our own skin, not dependent on endless purchasing to mask an underlying malaise. To buy a bicycle or a pair of trainers is to approach the problem from the wrong end - business as usual.

Unfortunately the religion of economic growth permeates our society when human nature, the ability to rejoice in just being alive, should be our foundation. So many people simply don't realise they have any choice beyond shopping 'till they drop. If the culture is right active travel will follow naturally.

Patrick SHEIL
(Labour Party)

I cycle everywhere inlcuding to all committees, to Full Council, to other meetings and to work. However, I'm lucky enough to have quite a good bike, and to know a good person who can help with repairs. But generally speaking, there is a massive shortage of bike repair places for those who would struggle to walk a broken bike into town [from the outskirts]. This glaring shortage needs to be addressed. If such repair shops are not naturally emerging, and/or if they are not always commercially viable for potential entrepeneurs, then we must take steps either to remedy those conditions - with enticements if necessary - or provide a direct alternative, such as a cycle version of the City Council garage.

There can be no doubt that cycling makes for fitness and an improved quality of life, but only if you can be confident that you will not be killed - a drastic deterioration. Hence my advocacy of the 20 mph limit. More cycling means better mental health, less obesity and a lower likelihood of maladies like type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. It therefore means reductions to the nation's healthcare bill, aside from the benefits for individuals.

The specific change i want to see - and this will benefit the young and older cyclists and tricyclists and potential cyclists and tricyclists - is a big increase in the amount of cycle-parking provision in the centre of town. The demand is clearly there; the need is clearly there. Granted, there are some times of day when not every rack-space is filled. But just try going to Lion's Yard / Petty Cury on a Saturday and see if you can park your bike. Good luck! : )

Fionna TOD
(Liberal Democrat)

Cycling is a fantastic way of improving health and helping the environment, but safety is essential if we are to convince more people to take it up.

The Lib Dems support the GCP’s investment in cycling provision, both through schemes dedicated mainly to cycling (Chisholm Trail, cross city cycling schemes, Greenways and future Cycling Plus) and through the incorporation of more generous and dedicated cycling provision in wider projects such as Milton and Histon Roads and the future radial busway projects.

We are proud that much of the funding for these developments has come from the City Deal, negotiated from central government by the city council when under Lib Dem control. Contingent on local consultation, we also support many of the low traffic neighbourhood schemes across the city, which provide the calmer street environment which is more conducive to starting to cycle from home. More of these may become possible if policy is adopted across the whole city to discourage car journeys. In planning we want to see new developments designed around low usage of motor vehicles and incorporation of domestic provision for cycles as a norm.

Tim WARD
(Liberal Democrat)

Cycling participation, for those who are able, has the capacity to much improve health. Increasing safety in cycle usage is key. We support the GCP’s investment in cycling provision, both through schemes dedicated mainly to cycling (Chisholm Trail, cross city cycling schemes, Greenways and future Cycling Plus) and through the incorporation of more generous and dedicated cycling provision in wider projects such as Milton and Histon Roads and the future radial busway projects. We are proud that much of the funding for these developments has come from the City Deal, negotiated from central government by the city council when under Lib Dem control. Contingent on local consultation, we also support many of the low traffic neighbourhood schemes across the city, which provide the calmer street environment which is more conducive to starting to cycle from home. More of these may become possible if policy is adopted across the whole city to discourage car journeys. In planning we want to see new developments designed around low usage of motor vehicles and incorporation of domestic provision for cycles as a norm.

# Question 5

In June 2021, the Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Combined Authority agreed to act on the Independent Commission on Climate’s recommendation to reduce car miles driven in the region by 15% by 2030.

Suggested actions needed to achieve this goal include installing safe cycle routes from new developments, working with employers to increase uptake in sustainable options for commuting, improving existing cycle infrastructure and encouraging the use of e-bikes. What changes do you think are needed to help people in your area reduce car mileage?

Robert BOORMAN
(Conservative Party)
The candidate has not responded to the survey.
Iva DIVKOVIC
(Labour Party)

Firstly, we need to achieve optimal cycle routes which are safe for people to feel confident cycling in the area and city. Secondly, educating people on the health and environmental benefits of active travel through initiatives and making courses for cycling available. It is important for Labour's Arbury team to persuade motorists through persuasive measures like providing effective, alternative options than using force of any means.

Timothy HAIRE
(Conservative Party)
The candidate has not responded to the survey.
Stephen LAWRENCE
(Green Party)

Could we persuade the older generation (the decision makers in a family, say) that, even if they themselves do not plan on using non-car modes, that their kids are likely to want to, and increasingly so as the need to act against climate change increases, so that designing infrastructure to support that would be a good idea.

Peter POPE
(Green Party)

Way overdue is the introduction of a workplace parking levy. I was campaigning on this 20 years ago.

Patrick SHEIL
(Labour Party)

Greenways should be encouraged and promoted. It's a really good innovation that brings communities together and makes travel/commuting into a pleasant part of the day instead of something that has to be got out of the way.

We should be lobbying for cycle-provision (both on highways and in parking) at the planning stage. We should continue building relationships with planners and traffic engineers so as to emphasize the importance of cycling and its value in relieving congestion.

Yes to working with employers to promote uptake of Active Travel methods, including bikes and e-bikes. But also, more cyle parking in town and more cycle repair provision on the edge of town, at least on the north side (i'm less sure of what the south side is like in that regard).

Safe skateboarding as a form of transport is something i've seen just occasionally and which we will maybe see more of in the future. The City already supports it as a sporting activity; maybe we need to do more in terms of recognizing it as a means of travel.

Fionna TOD
(Liberal Democrat)

All these suggestions are important. What we need is to look at the bigger picture, e.g. transformation of public transport, which is only feasible both through funding for a bigger bus network operating over longer hours, with more frequency and more inclusive ticket pricing and measures to reduce the current congestion which prevents their efficiency. This is the agenda which the GCP’s ‘Making Connections’ is working on, which we support.

Tim WARD
(Liberal Democrat)

All these suggestions are important. This kind of improvement needs supporting in the bigger picture by a transformation of public transport, which is only feasible both through funding for a bigger bus network operating over longer hours, with more frequency and more inclusive ticket pricing and measures to reduce the current congestion which prevents their efficiency. This is the agenda which the GCP’s ‘Making Connections’ is working on, which we support.

# Question 6

National charity Cycling UK's manifesto for English elections includes the following asks:

1: Create safe space for cycling: put the delivery of a connected network of routes at the heart of transport and development plans;

2: Improve delivery: ensure schemes meet the government’s cycle design standards laid out in LTN 1/20 and the Gear Change policy;

3: Make neighbourhoods more attractive for cycling & people: for example, by making 20mph the default for residential and shopping streets, and increasing secure cycle parking;

4: Enable rural & urban communities to cycle: integrate cycling and walking with public transport, make cycle training available for all and improve access to local green space.

Will you support this manifesto? What policies would you champion in your area to increase levels of walking and cycling?

Robert BOORMAN
(Conservative Party)
The candidate has not responded to the survey.
Iva DIVKOVIC
(Labour Party)

I support this manifesto which positively aligns with the Labour city council's aims to improve and promote active travel in Cambridge. I will be championing all of them, but for Arbury, the first and third points of the manifesto are priorities.

Timothy HAIRE
(Conservative Party)
The candidate has not responded to the survey.
Stephen LAWRENCE
(Green Party)

The 20mph question is interesting. It's needed for all streets where there is significant bike traffic. And that does mean most streets, even if there are more cycle-friendly routes with modal filters etc.
Another strategy might involve heavily promoting car-clubs, ie the idea that the default situation would be that you do not own a car individually, but share in a group. (That would drastically reduce the numbers of cars required, say, to take Cambridge zero-carbon. And increase use of other modes as well.)

Peter POPE
(Green Party)

The manifesto is excellent.
Local authorities have a role to play in education in road safety, health benefits, clean air, cycle delivery services, electric bikes and just creating Cool around self propulsion, while actively campaigning against the SUV (which stands for Strange Urban Vanity).

Patrick SHEIL
(Labour Party)

Yes i am glad to support this manifesto from start to finish, and i note that items 6 and 7 line up with some of my responses above. Am also glad to see item 9 as i think people who have a disability have not always been present - or at least not properly heard - in these conversations.

What i would want to champion is iniatives that remedy or rectify whatever might be the main obstacles or barriers to choosing to use the bike. For example: let's make it easier to get a bike repaired. And let's make it easier to park your bike in town.

Fionna TOD
(Liberal Democrat)

I am happy to support this checklist and have cited the sorts of policies I support for our area in my other answers.

Tim WARD
(Liberal Democrat)

This broadly supports my answers to your other questions and I am happy to use it as a good checklist for policy going forward.

# Question 7

What is your personal experience of walking and cycling in your area? What barriers do you think local people face that may prevent them from choosing active travel for everyday journeys?

Robert BOORMAN
(Conservative Party)
The candidate has not responded to the survey.
Iva DIVKOVIC
(Labour Party)

The barriers locals face are improved footpaths, better lit areas, training and fully accessible and secure cycle paths. Cambridge Labour has plans to improve all of these and ensure residents have the confidence, means, accessibility and environment to travel actively and live a healthier and environmentally friendly lifestyle.

Timothy HAIRE
(Conservative Party)
The candidate has not responded to the survey.
Stephen LAWRENCE
(Green Party)

Barrier? The feeling that the transport network is not designed for cycling, but that cycles are an add-on, grudgingly made. However, There are so many examples of poor infrastructure on the ground that it would imposssible to eradicate this - unless of course, the County/Govt wished to make an example of the place.

Peter POPE
(Green Party)

Fortunately I don't have to travel at peak times and in these pandemic days the streets have seemed blissfully quiet. There was of course an occasion cycling along Milton Road behind a faulty car crawling along the cycle lane spewing neat petrol fumes from the exhaust....
Unfortunately the most common observation about cycling is young people without lights, often disregarding any rational etiquette to protect their own safety. Not Camcycle members naturally.

In a society that promotes motor vehicles as a symbol of progress the option for active travel is inherently irrational, its just not on the radar for middle of the road people in the rat race. Just possibly the electric scooters we now see around Cambridge might create a sense of Cool around the idea of open-air travel. Also I have a personal interest in car clubs as a way to reduce car ownership, remove the temptation of the individual car outside the door and enhance the culture of mobility-as-a-service which makes 'choice' a real option.

Patrick SHEIL
(Labour Party)

As mentioned in an earlier answer, i cycle nearly everywhere and am also a committed pedestrian and occasional motorist and bus-rider.

The Histon Road upgrade has vastly improved my cycling experience - and i should know because Shire Hall used to be my work-base and i live on the McManus estate. Cycling up and down Histon Road used to be a miserable affair, and you always felt you were taking your life in your hands, squeezing in alongside the traffic. So much better now.

In terms of barriers - and i'm repeating myself now - i do think insufficient cycle parking in town and lack of ways to get bike repairs done - especially if you have dermatitis in both hands as i do - are the main ones to address. And from the pedestrian angle, i think pavements that are too narrow (e. g. Victoria Road) and often lumpy and in need of repair (e. g. French's Road) are central among the issues.

Fionna TOD
(Liberal Democrat)

I feel lucky to live in a city which is as pro-cycling as Cambridge, but do feel that Arbury would benefit from improvements to Mere Way/Carlton Way and Stretten Ave in particular. In terms of walking, I think improving the pavements and reducing congestion so that the main streets were more pleasant to walk down would be beneficial as well.

Tim WARD
(Liberal Democrat)

I personally would be counted as a "confident cyclist" and do not usually encounter problems waking and cycling around the local area. The improvements to Histon Road mean that I no longer feel it preferable to put up with the speed bumps in Stretten Avenue in order to avoid weaving in and out of the vehicular traffic.

Camcycle is a non-partisan body. All candidates are given an equal opportunity to submit their views. Information published by Camcycle (Cambridge Cycling Campaign), The Bike Depot, 140 Cowley Road, Cambridge, CB4 0DL.