The cycle street in Cambridge gives cyclists and pedestrians priority over motorists, but residents are divided over the project and its ‘first in England’ claim
Cambridgeshire Live readers are split over the launch of England’s first cycle street, with passionate opinions on both sides of the debate. While some welcomed the additional space for pedestrians and cyclists, others have cast doubt on the “first in England” claim, the 3,000-per-day figure, and the allocation of public funds.
England’s first cycle street has opened in Cambridge, granting cyclists and pedestrians priority over motor vehicles. The cycle street on Adams Road, which has now reached completion, is designed to improve safety for cyclists travelling across the city.
The route establishes a link between Cambridge West and the city centre for commuters and students alike. Adams Road ranks among the busiest cycling routes in Cambridge, currently used by up to 3,000 cyclists daily. Usage is anticipated to grow further as nearby development progresses, according to the Greater Cambridge Partnership.
Construction commenced in October 2025 and has encompassed an upgraded junction offering greater priority to pedestrians at Adams Road and Sylvester Road, full resurfacing of the footways and carriageway, and the widening of footways on both sides to provide additional space for those on foot.
One reader, Garyblowpants comments: “We need this everywhere in the city. Our city is built on the bicycle stretching back thousands of years. It is simply our rite of passage.”
Jemima3 asks: “How does this differ in any way from the stretches that prioritise bicycles going through, e.g. Horningsea, Barton, etc? Surely not the ‘first in England’?”
Rhodabike writes: “Exactly. Every street in and around Cambridge can be cycled on. Many already give cyclists priority over motorists. This is not even the first example in Cambridge, let alone the whole country. Who came up with the absurd claim that this is ‘England’s first cycle street’?”
Feelgood66 adds: “You watch, some utility company will come along and dig some of it up to put services in.”
Freddly quotes: “‘Widening both sides of the footways to create more room for pedestrians.’ This is very welcome and much needed. There are many places in Cambridge where pedestrians are confined to narrow and scruffy pavements metres away from drivers going at 45mph. That needs to end. Car-drivers are sponging – that is, not remotely paying the true cost of the land occupied and social and community issues exacerbated.”
Riccy says: “What a waste of taxpayers’ money. The cyclists pay nothing towards the upkeep of roads whatsoever; that money could be better spent on potholes put right across the country. When are they going to start taxing cyclists beyond the roads and parts in the first place? I hope it’s going to be very soon.”
Nocyclinganywhere writes: “It’s about time cyclists had to pay a tax to use the roads and to help to pay for the unused cycle ways, motorists have to pay a vehicle excise duty, cyclists should pay a bike tax, they want equality, so make them pay for it.”
Skipper feels: “Obviously, the council tax increase last year, and this year (the max allowed as always) was not, as stated by the council, required for essential services. Instead, it was used to fund some push bike lobby councillor’s pet project. Result: A waste of money on a scheme that does nothing for road safety, as the accident record shows.”
Johnsm adds: “Cyclists are on average less obese than drivers. That saves us on healthcare costs alone. Cyclists damage the roads less and take up less road space when parking. They should practically be paid to cycle!”
While over on our Facebook page, Kirstie H comments: “Priorities to cyclists again that don’t pay road tax!”
Clare D simply states: “Madness.”
Tanya B writes: “Stop spending Taxpayers’ money on vanity projects that only the minority use and use it to repair and replace the appalling roads and pavements that everyone uses!”
Ali K says: “Roads of Cambridge cost me £800 for car suspension. Council is just spending money on these silly projects while roads are in miserable condition.”
Do you think that the cycle street on Adams Road will be a success? Comment below or HERE to have your say.


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