A controversial £2.4 million 'cycle street' in Cambridge, where bicycles are given priority over vehicles, may be dismantled and restored to its original condition, the head of the organisation responsible has conceded.
The scheme on Adams Road, used by 3,000 cyclists daily, was celebrated as the first of its kind in England. It aimed to enhance safety for cyclists and pedestrians by removing on-road parking, reconfiguring junctions to slow traffic, raising crossings, and widening footpaths.
However, critics have questioned the investment, noting that only two collisions involving bicycles occurred in the past six years, with just one deemed serious. Detractors also argue the funds could have been used to fix potholes and claim similar schemes would be impractical on narrower, more dangerous roads.
Brian Milnes, chairman of the Greater Cambridge Partnership (GCP), which installed the bright red, third-of-a-mile-long cycle street, revealed its future hinges on a trial period. He stated: 'It's not permanent until we've gone through the process and seen how it's working. It's obviously experimental in nature... There's a consultation involved. We'll keep it under review to avoid making horrible mistakes we can't back out of.'
When asked if similar projects would follow if deemed successful, Milnes added: 'Obviously the answer is yes. If we've got something that works and goes down well, we're likely to try it elsewhere. If not, we'd return it to how it was or make modifications for a better solution.'
The consultation duration remains unclear but is expected to last at least a year. Milnes, also deputy leader of the Lib Dem group on South Cambridgeshire District Council, defended the expenditure, explaining the funds came from the 2014 Greater Cambridge City Deal, which allocated £1 billion for innovation-led economic growth. He emphasised the money was restricted and could not be used for road improvements.
The cycle street aims to facilitate cyclist movement amid growing congestion from increased housing and business development. Milnes previously cited 'too many stories of cyclists being knocked off their bikes and car doors suddenly opening into their path, while elderly and vulnerable residents have to step into the road to get around bins and parked cars.'
However, official statistics obtained by the Mail reveal Adams Road had only two reported 'collisions involving a cyclist' in seven years—one slight in 2019 and one serious in 2024. No data clarified whether collisions involved vehicles, other cyclists, or pedestrians.
During a visit to the road, residents' parking bays were observed to be so narrow that car wheels sat outside dotted lines, forcing moving cars into cyclists' paths. Critics also noted the measures, implemented on one of Cambridge's most exclusive streets where detached houses sell for over £3.5 million, would 'never work' in less affluent areas without off-street parking.
Driver Bob Heath, in his 60s, remarked: 'What about all the terraced houses on narrow roads in Cambridge? This would never work there. It's fine if you can afford one of these places though.' A pedestrian named Ian commented: 'I've never seen anyone knocked off their bike down here. It used to be a normal road, with cars parked on either side. Cars and bikes had to go pretty slowly because there wasn't much space.'
Frazer Merritt, 44, originally from Wisconsin, questioned spending on 'vanity projects' instead of fixing potholes and uneven pavements. He said: 'My mum is 82 and can only walk a block at most. It's difficult pushing her around Cambridge because many sidewalks and roads are in a pretty bad state. I would challenge any council member to spend a day in a wheelchair and see how difficult it is to get around.' Merritt also branded the lack of road maintenance 'disrespectful' to blue-collar workers reliant on vehicles for their livelihoods.
Online resistance included comments from users like Freddly, who said: 'It's important that projects like this go into poorer areas of the city too. The value of houses on Adams Street will go up. Less wealthy citizens should also benefit from the car removal bounty.' Brexit498 asked about costs and climate impact, noting the existing Tarmac was torn up and replaced. Alydavud suggested banning cyclists as well to make the street safer for walkers.
However, one homeowner praised the scheme: 'I think it looks really good. There is less parking on the road now.' An undergraduate added: 'I like it. The road is super smooth to cycle on and there are fewer cars on either side.'
The debate over cyclist and pedestrian priority over motorists has long raged in Cambridge. Critics argue the cycling lobby is too powerful and that GCP schemes are anti-car and detrimental to the area's economy. Recent controversies include a 'bus gate' on Mill Road, which only allows buses, taxis, pedestrians, and cyclists over a bridge, forcing motorists on longer journeys and slashing trade for local shops. It raised up to £1 million in fines in its first year.
Two years ago, a footpath alongside a £24 million road upgrade was altered after residents complained it was so narrow that pedestrians risked being hit by cyclists. The Milton Road scheme created a 6ft 6in wide cycle path but left pedestrians less than 3ft of space due to streetlights and telegraph poles.
Cambridge also introduced the UK's first Dutch-style roundabout in 2020 at £2.3 million, but it saw more collisions in its first three years than the previous three, with ten collisions—three serious—compared to six minor incidents from 2017 to 2019.
Announcing the cycle street, Milnes said: 'This project is about putting people first—making everyday journeys safer and easier for everyone.' Dan Strauss, representing Adams Road residents, stated: 'Change is so needed. Adams Road is a cycling success story but as it's got busier, hundreds of parked cars are creating blind spots for motorists, pedestrians, and cyclists. Fast-moving traffic, crowded pavements, and constant near misses have turned one of the busiest cycle routes in Cambridge into an unsafe cycling experience.'
Cambridgeshire County Council confirmed records of two reported collisions involving a cyclist on Adams Road, one slight in 2019 and one serious in 2024. A spokesman added: 'These figures do not include near-misses or unreported incidents, which residents and stakeholders have told us are a regular concern.'
