Cambridge is famed for its enthusiasm for cycling - with high percentages of all journeys to work, shop and play in the city sustainably powered by pedal. The University of Cambridge - the promoters of the new North West Cambridge Development - has responded to this enthusiasm from the people of Cambridge by ensuring that delivering quality cycling infrastructure is one of the core elements of the proposed masterplan.

The development presents a terrific opportunity to contribute to and enhance the local existing cycle network, and will be tailor-made for the way people travel and commute around the city. The masterplan has been developed with direct and coherent cycle links across the site to improve the existing routes between Cambridge, the new development, nearby villages and the open countryside.

The project's emerging cycling strategy incorporates measures that will not only support those who prefer to travel by bike, but will also encourage others to swap four wheels for two.

As well as providing quality cycleways along where people want to travel, other measures that are being considered include:

Cycle racks on the bus services passing through the development

Enhanced access to the County Council's Cycle Share website

Cycle proficiency training for safer road riding

Cycle clubs

Cycling literature on the North West Cambridge development website

John Hopkins, from the University's transport consultants Peter Brett Associates said: "The masterplan for the development will ensure that cycling is given priority, and that the routes are easily negotiated, well connected and - above all, cycle friendly.

"We have ensured that there will be high levels of secure cycle parking throughout the site, and that the shared-use development roads are designed for all."

Project Director Roger Taylor commented: "We want cycling in North West Cambridge to be considered the default method of travel, and understanding the needs of the cyclists who will be living and working at the site is fundamental to this aim.

"The development will incorporate good quality, direct and well-lit routes that will give some much-needed support to the city's cyclists. We are confident that the measures included in the masterplan will help Cambridge cement its reputation as the cycling capital of the UK."

The project team is keen to hear of any other ideas from the public that they can consider incorporating into the cycling strategy, either through our website or by attending one of our forthcoming public exhibitions.

>>> N.B. Now that the public exhibitions (held on June 29th and July 3rd, 2010) have passed, you can continue to send feedback to the project team on our cycling plans and any other aspects of the development by contacting us HERE.