CAMBRIDGE ANNOUNCED AS NATIONAL CYCLING TOWN

Millions of pounds are due to be invested in Cambridge to help residents get on their bikes after the city was awarded national cycling demonstration town status.
Cambridgeshire County Council, Cambridge City Council and South Cambridgeshire District Council joined forces to bid against 74 other towns and cities for the special status.

The announcement made today, Thursday, by Cycling England will see significant investment over the next three years in measures to improve cycling in and around Cambridge.

These measures will include better cycle links in the city as well as to and from the surrounding existing villages and new developments. It will also be spent on running and improving cycle training to the new Bikeability national standards, and promotions to encourage people to use their bikes.

Already 25 per cent of commuters cycle to work in Cambridge and the city is known as the bike capital of Britain.

Cambridgeshire County Councillor Matt Bradney, Cabinet Member for Growth and Infrastructure said: “I am delighted that we have been awarded national cycling demonstration town status. Once again Cambridgeshire is at the forefront nationally when it comes to transport. This investment will build on the good work we have already started to encourage more people on their bikes, reduce congestion and help forge cycle links with existing and new developments. It has been a real partnership effort and I would like to thank our partners at the City Council and South Cambridgeshire District Council for their help in securing this prestigious opportunity.”

Cambridge City Councillor, Sian Reid, Executive Councillor for Climate Change and Growth, said: “This announcement reflects the importance we put on cycling in our planning decisions as we strive to use any new development to encourage cycle use, for example with ample cycle parking. We are committed to making the city ever more cycle friendly, with new and improved cycle paths as demonstrated by the considerable investment that the City Council puts in directly to enhance cycleways throughout Cambridge."
ENDS

Notes for Editors:

Contact: Cambridgeshire County Councillor Matt Bradney, Cabinet Member for Growth and Infrastructure, on 01954 204347 or 07739 393137 or Cambridge City Councillor, Sian Reid, Executive Councillor for Climate Change and Growth, on 01223 356100 and 07770 382190.

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