Cycling policies

Inclusive cycling

Cycle infrastructure, facilities, training and support should enable people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds to start or continue cycling as a means of transport for any purpose.

A connected cycle network

The most effective way to enable more people to cycle is through a joined-up network of high-quality routes. Cycleways should be safe, direct and convenient, and cycles should be separated from motor traffic whenever cycle routes run along roads with a speed limit above 20mph.

Car use and ownership

Reducing the use of cars and reallocating space and priority to walking and cycling helps to solve urban and environmental issues and creates safe, healthy and attractive places for people to live, work and visit.

New developments and street renewals

Planning and building for high levels of cycling results in safer streets and stronger communities. New developments should be designed in a way that enables and encourages cycling and walking for short journeys and integrates homes, schools, shops and workplaces into the wider cycling network.

Camcycle takes no position in the debate on the principle of the future growth of Cambridge. We are guided by our charitable objectives to promote cycling for the public benefit and, as such, the principle of whether growth should or should not happen is outside our remit. We will work with whatever the future plans may be for Cambridge to help meet our charitable objectives. We are not open to lobbying from any organisation or individual with respect to this issue.

Cycle routes through rural and urban green spaces policy

To protect our natural environment from the impacts of congestion, pollution and climate change, cycling must be a viable alternative to driving. The reallocation of road space must be considered first before green space is allocated for cycle routes. Cycle routes through rural and urban green spaces are important parts of the cycle network and bring many benefits to their users. They must be safe and inclusive and implemented with careful consideration of local landscape, ecology and heritage.

Our draft Cycle routes through rural and urban green spaces policy has been published for review and feedback. Download: Camcycle-policy_Green Spaces_Published Draft.docx

Cycling distance

Cycleways and new developments should be planned on the assumption that most people are willing to cycle for up to 30 minutes to access jobs, schools, shops and other local destinations. Designs should allow for diverse types of rider and cycle, including the increase in popularity of electrically-assisted pedal cycles, in addition to cyclists’ need for direct, energy-saving routes.

Integration with public transport

Cycling and public transport networks should complement each other to enable fast, reliable and safe journeys by sustainable transport across both urban and rural areas. Secure, high-quality cycle parking should be provided at stations and stops, public on-street cycle hire should be easy to access from transport hubs, and it should be easy and convenient to carry cycles on longer public transport routes such as railways.

Cargo bikes for businesses

The use of cargo bikes for businesses delivers action on climate change and benefits for local communities and businesses. Cargo bikes offer an efficient, low-carbon transport solution for people and goods and are often faster and cheaper than motor vehicles in urban areas.

Our draft Cargo bike policy has been published for review and feedback.
Download: Camcycle-policy_Cargo bikes for businesses_PUBLISHED DRAFT.docx

Cycling to work

Enabling more people to cycle to work is essential to reducing congestion and air pollution. It delivers many benefits to local employers and their staff, such as reliable journeys and a healthier, happier and more productive workforce. Cycling logistics allows companies to deliver items quickly, reliably and affordably in a way that benefits both the local and wider environment.

Our draft Cycling to Work policy has been published for review and feedback.
Download: Camcycle Policy_CycleToWork_PUBLISHED DRAFT

Cycling to education

Enabling more people to cycle to schools and colleges builds strong local communities with increased independence for both parents and children, cleaner air, and safer streets.

Wayfinding and promotion

Clear, high-quality signage and promotion of cycling and cycle routes enables safe and easy travel by cycle for local people and visitors of all levels of experience. Signage should not be a substitute for naturally-legible routes.

Cycling and walking

Best-practice designs for cycling should also improve journeys and streetscapes for those walking and using mobility aids.

Cycle parking

Secure, convenient and accessible cycle parking at homes, businesses, educational institutions, transport hubs, shops and public areas is essential to encourage people of all ages and abilities to start and continue cycling. Cycle parking should always be more conveniently located than car parking and storage (noting exceptions needed for those with mobility issues).

Maintenance of cycleways and facilities

Both high-quality design and investment in continued maintenance are essential to keep cycle routes, cycle parking and other cycle facilities safe, comfortable and attractive to use.

Our draft Maintenance of cycleways and facilities policy has been published for review and feedback. Download: Camcycle Policy_Maintenance of Cycle Routes and Facilities_Final

Cycling and the public realm

Increased space for cycling should be combined with public space improvements including tree-planting, art and seating areas to deliver communities that are green and pleasant places to live in and travel through.

Obstructions in cycleways and access controls

Obstructions on cycleways and footpaths should be eliminated wherever possible in order to reduce the risk of collisions and to enable access for people of all ages and abilities. Where there is a proven need for access controls such as bollards and cattle grids, they must be designed to be clearly visible and easily and safely negotiated by all types of riders, using a variety of cycles, during all hours, seasons and weather conditions.

Our draft Obstructions and Access Controls policy has been published for review and feedback. Download: Camcycle Policy_Obstructions&AccessControls_PUBLISHED DRAFT

Improving junctions

Planning and building well-designed junctions is the best way to reduce cycle collisions. Best-practice junctions improve safety and convenience for all road users by reducing the number of interactions between different modes of transport, improving visibility and reducing the speed of motor traffic.

Cycle hire and related schemes

Facilities which allow people to combine cycling with other forms of transport and activity help embed cycling as an essential part of a thriving and sustainable community.

One-way streets

Enabling two-way cycling wherever possible, including use of contraflow lanes and one-way street exemptions, helps more people to use cycles as a fast, direct and attractive method of transport.

Permeability and access

The design of streets and settlements should make it easier and more attractive to make short journeys on foot or by cycle than in a car.

Bridges, underpasses and crossings

Where cycleways need to cross natural barriers or busy transport routes, the infrastructure provided should be safe, convenient, attractive and accessible for all.

Safety by design

The Dutch principles of ‘sustainable safety’ should be applied to the design of roads to make them easier to navigate for all road users and reduce levels of conflict, error and injury.

Legal and responsible cycling

Cyclists should at all times comply with traffic laws and regulations, using appropriate lighting on cycles in line with legal requirements and riding with due consideration for others. Roads and cycleways should be designed in a way that encourages this compliance.

Speed and traffic calming

The safety of people cycling is increased by road designs that reduce vehicle speeds and minimise areas of conflict between different modes of transport. A speed limit of 20mph should be implemented and enforced in residential streets, and rural speed limits should be reduced where needed to reflect local conditions.

Cycleway lighting and night visibility

Lighting and the use of reflective materials on cycleways should contribute to safety and visibility for all road users and allow people to cycle at all times of the day or night, in all seasons.

Personal safety

In areas where people cycle, levels of actual and perceived personal safety can be increased by an attractive and human-friendly design. This should prioritise good visibility and lighting, careful landscaping, regular maintenance, natural surveillance from nearby roads and buildings, and frequent links to off-street cycle routes allowing easy access.

Places for people

Streets and neighbourhoods should prioritise the movement of people over motor traffic with designs that make them safe and pleasant places to live, work and travel through.

Car parking and storage

On-street car parking should never take precedence over the safety of road users. Where appropriate, car parking and storage should be removed in favour of safer and more attractive streets for people, and to reduce overall levels of motor vehicle usage.

Micromobility and cycling

Our draft Micromobility and cycling policy has been published for review and feedback.
Download: Camcycle Policy_Micromobility_PUBLISHED DRAFT

Police and enforcement

Consistent enforcement of traffic laws, a prompt and effective response to reports of cycle theft and an evidence-based approach to the reduction of road injury improves safety for cyclists and other road users. A positive approach to cycling from the police influences wider public attitudes, encouraging safe and considerate driving around cyclists and pedestrians.

Helmets and specialist clothing

What to wear when cycling should be a matter of personal choice for individuals and their families. Evidence shows that cycling levels increase in countries which prioritise safe environments for cycling and fall in places where helmet use is enforced. The Netherlands is the safest country in the world for cycling and has the lowest usage of helmets.

A cycling culture

Recognising the benefits that cycling can bring to individuals, organisations and society as a whole is essential to help develop a strong cycling culture and achieve higher levels of cycling across diverse communities. High numbers of people cycling in the Cambridge region preserve the area as a special and unique place to live, and make cycling safer for both new and existing riders.