The £2.4 million cycle street that's sparking debate

A pioneering cycle street in Cambridge designed to prioritize cyclists and pedestrians over motorists has drawn criticism despite claims of improved safety , with official data showing only two cyclist collisions in seven years .

The £2.4 million project, billed as the first of its kind in England to give cyclists and pedestrians priority over motorists, has been built on Adams Road, one of the busiest routes in the historic university city.

Those behind the project claim it has improved safety for those on two wheels and pedestrians by removing on-road parking, reconfiguring junctions to slow traffic, raising crossings and widening footpaths.

Residents divided on the value of the project

However, a request by the Mail for official statistics revealed just two reported 'collisions involving a cyclist' in seven years, with only one of them classed as 'serious'. And there was no data on whether the collisions were with vehicles or other cyclists or pedestrians.

Many residents have criticized the scheme, saying money could have been spent better elsewhere and questioning how much safer it is.

Driver Bob Heath, who is in his 60s and was visiting a friend in the area, said: '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.'

Concerns over the impact on less affluent areas

Critics also pointed out the measures, in one of Cambridge's most exclusive streets where one detached house sold for in excess of £3.5 million, would 'never work' in less wealthy areas where homeowners don't have off-street parking.

Frazer Merritt, 44, who is originally from Wisconsin in the US , questioned why money was being spent on 'vanity projects' like Adams Road instead of fixing potholes and uneven pavements.

He said: 'My mum is 82 years old and can only walk a block at most. it's difficult pushing her around Cambridge because many of the sidewalks and roads are in a pretty bad state.

The debate highlights the ongoing tension between promoting sustainable transport and addressing the practical needs of all road users

As the scheme is relatively new, future data may provide clearer insights into its impact on saefty and traffic flow.

For now, Adams Road stands as a test case for Dutch-style cycle streets in England, and its reception will likely influence similar projects elsewhere.