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Here's an index page for the Cambridge Video Clip Cycling Guide. Here's a full map of the coverage including the KML for the whole picture. The KML data is best viewed using Google Earth, especially in conjunction with the Excel tool, but still can be accessed using Google Maps through any web browser.
View Cambridge Video Routes Guide in a larger map or Download KML directly
There are several index pages in two types for this group of pages and associated YouTube clips and KML files.
- The Streets Index pages, listing in street order with route clips with start times and local area KML files for use and download
A-C / D-K / L-R / S-Z - The Routes Index pages, listing in route order showing streets used with detailed description and local area KML files for use and download
A-C / D-K / L-R / S-Z
There are some extra links provided where valid for taking a broader view. Both these indexes and the KML files will keep building as more clips get added on YouTube.
The Routes Index
Friendly
Daws Lane, Cherry Hinton Hall (YouTube) This is a useful link from Cherry Hinton residential roads through to Cherry Hinton Road. Goes through areas EastCity (Open KML), (Download KML);
| This is a useful link from Cherry Hinton residential roads through to Cherry Hinton Road. This is a shared-use path so make sure you go carefully for other people walking and riding on the route. At the first tight left turn, there is a right turn which goes on to the bottom of Mill Road. Following the path round to the left takes you towards Cheery Hinton Hall. In Cherry Hinton Hall the path gets very muddy and wet. Unfortunately it may be necessary to ride on the grass as the path surface can be very bad. Be aware of people walking from all directions. At the exit to the grounds, either use the tarmac road if the gates are open, or continue along the path to the right spot on Cherry Hinton Road to cross for further routes. | Starts on Daws Lane; Cherry Hinton Hall Path; at 00:16; |
Friendly
Daws Lane, Cherry Hinton Hall (2) (YouTube) A quiet link through south east Cambridge. Goes through areas EastCity (Open KML), (Download KML);
| Reduced Description. See walkers, shared-use path, cyclepath. A quiet route through the back of Cherry Hinton. Be aware that the Hall gardens can be shut during the summer folk festival, although there is a slightly longer route round. | Starts on Daws Lane; Cherry Hinton Hall Path; at 00:29; |
Friendly
Devonshire Road, Carter Railway Bridge, Greville Road (YouTube) A quiet useful link from central Cambridge avoiding Mill Road. Goes through areas EastCity (Open KML), (Download KML);
| Reduced Description. See walkers, door zone, primary, shared-use path, cyclepath. A quiet route running almost parallel to Mill Road. Look out for walkers on the bridge. | Starts on Devonshire Road; Carter Railway Bridge; at 00:08; Rustat Road; at 00:25; Greville Road; at 00:30; |
More links: Door Zone, Primary Position, Cyclepath, Path, Shared-Use Path, People Walking, Main Post
Mixed
Devonshire Road, Carter Railway Bridge, Rustat Road, Davy Road, Radegund Road (YouTube) This is a useful link from just south-east of the centre out towards Cherry Hinton. Goes through areas EastCity (Open KML), (Download KML);
| This is a useful link from just south-east of the centre out towards Cherry Hinton. In Devonshire Road the cyclebridge is on the right and has two paths to it. I suspect only one lane is really used. I think this is narrowed so that people riding down from the bridge are forced to slow before the road. But it does lead to conflict with people riding onto the bridge as they want to maintain speed for the way up, not possible with the other lane. At the other end of the bridge, take care with the corner as there are likely to be people cycling and walking here. Rustat Road and Davy Road have a lot of parked cars so avoid the door zone. The route onwards goes to the heart of Cherry Hinton avoiding the nasty Cherry Hinton Road. On Radegund Road, the cycle accesses around the traffic restrictions can be blocked but are useful with oncoming traffic. The route onwards goes to the heart of Cherry Hinton avoiding the nasty Cherry Hinton Road. | Starts on Devonshire Road; Carter Railway Bridge; at 00:04; Rustat Road; at 00:19; Davy Road; at 00:29; Radegund Road; at 00:45; |
Reasonable
Devonshire Road, Carter Railway Bridge, Rustat Road, Greville Road, Coleridge Road (YouTube) This is a useful link from just south-east of the centre out towards Cherry Hinton. Goes through areas EastCity (Open KML), (Download KML);
| This is a useful link from just south-east of the centre out towards Cherry Hinton. In Devonshire Road the cyclebridge is on the right and has two paths to it. I suspect only one lane is really used. I think this is narrowed so that people riding down from the bridge are forced to slow before the road. But it does lead to conflict with people riding onto the bridge as they want to maintain speed for the way up, not possible with the other lane. At the other end of the bridge, take care with the corner as there are likely to be people cycling and walking here. Continue carefully through the restricted access and turn right onto Greville Road. Greville Road has a lot of parked cars so avoid the door zone. You may also find oncoming traffic not taking this into consideration or may not realise this road isn't one-way, so be prepared to stop. At the Coleridge Road has a useful link along a shared-use path, segregated to a certain extent. Although be aware that some people walking and riding along here may not stay within the appropriately painted space. The crossing at the end of this short section is next to a quiet back-street route to the bottom of Mill Road, which then goes onward to the north of Cherry Hinton avoiding the nasty Coldhams Lane. The short link also helps you get into Coleridge Road giving you the chance to pull out safely without losing too much speed. At the end I filter along the outside of traffic. Only do this if you are comfortable and have judged the manoeuvre carefully. I noticed that many of the front cars are turning left whilst I'm going right and that I can get into a safe location quickly. | Starts on Devonshire Road; Carter Railway Bridge; at 00:04; Rustat Road; at 00:20; Greville Road; at 00:27; Coleridge Road; at 00:43; |
Mixed
Devonshire Road, Station Carpark, Station Place, Brookgate (YouTube) A useful link along the railway. Goes through areas SouthCity (Open KML), (Download KML); EastCity (Open KML), (Download KML);
| Devonshire Road is one of those awkward places. It should be a quiet side road and is quite narrow with the parked cars. However, it is a bit of a rat run for those heading for the station and can get close, poor overtakes. Here's a classic example. I start in the secondary position but head towards the primary as I approach the parked cars. However, someone driving still pushes through right as someone is cycling towards them, thus endangering us both. So, I'd suggest that riding down the centre of the available roadspace, a bit further to the right that the primary position, is the safest option. A car coming from behind will have plenty of time to slow down and you can make appropriate actions to deal with any desire to pass. If there's plenty of road ahead, I'll often find a spot that doesn't slow me too much to let cars past. One in front is less of a worry than one behind! Oncoming traffic is easy to deal with as well, just pull to the left as they approach. At the end of the straight, there's a connecting path under the Carter Railway Bridge to the Station Carpark. As this is a wiggly shared-use path with egresses for people walking and poor sightlines, it needs to be ridden dead slow. Once in the carpark take care as people driving often won't be lookng out for people cycling and can come from lots of different places. Also note that you could well be slowed by motor traffic here. Crossing the station roundabout into Station Place can be awkward. Look out for people in cars pulling out without properly looking for you. Be ready to stop to avoid a collision. In Station Place there is a bizarre side cyclepath for about 40 yards just on the edge of the station roundabout. This is round the rising bollard section of road and does go both ways. I guess it might be useful to get past a bus waiting for the bollards to retreat or if there's something else blocking the road. I wouldn't go near it unless dire circumstances prevail. By using it you lose right of way in a few dozen yards. Then it's through the new station bus station, er, if that's a phrase. Because this is limited traffic place it does seem a more pleasant environment than the normal city road. And the width of the road suggests that they'll be enough space for bus drivers to manoeuvre around people cycling. At the end of that it's straight on to get on the south Cambridge Guided Busway cyclepath. This goes all the way to Trumpington Park and Ride with a spur to Addenbrookes hospital. However, it's not in great use. See http://radwagon.co.uk/2012/05/south-cambridge-guided-busway-cyclepath.html for some ideas about that. But it's right onto Brookgate towards Hills Road. At the end of this link road there are limited options. Turning left is the main option. Over Hills Road railway bridge and onto south Cambridge. Alternatively, push the bike across the pedestrian crossing to the right of these lights. That gets to the Brooklands Avenue shared path towards Trumpington Road and the Coe Fen. | Starts on Devonshire Road; Station Car park; at 00:15; Station Place; at 00:42; Brookgate; at 00:58; |
More links: Primary Position, Secondary Position, Cyclepath, Path, Shared-Use Path, People Walking, Main Post
Mixed
Devonshire Road, Tenison Road, and Cut Through to Hills Road (YouTube) A useful link through residential streets of Petersfield. Goes through areas SouthCity (Open KML), (Download KML); EastCity (Open KML), (Download KML);
| Devonshire Road is moderately quiet. It is used by people cutting through from Hills Road to Mill Road, but not as much as it was. Parking is limited to one side, which is good, but always remember to ride outside the door zone. Also, look out for the high kerb on the left (south) side and be aware that oncoming drivers may expect you to divert out of their way, for no discernible reason. This is epsecially so at the corner where limited visibility can lead to strange behaviour. The cyclelane at the end is unfortunately in the door zone when next to the layby. Take care here. The lights at the end of the road are timed against coming over the speed bump. Doing around 12-14 mph means no stopping. Then, Tenison Road is quite a busy road. It's sometimes a bit hostile with cars parked either side. Given the change here, why not put parking on one side only, although there may be partial ability housing on either side of the road here. A quick left and right on Station Road and this is The Triangle estate. It's a useful non-traffic link to Hills Road at the junction with Brooklands Avenue. | Starts on Devonshire Road; Tenison Road; at 00:21; The Triangle; at 00:33; |
Friendly
Ditton Meadows and Stourbridge Common to Riverside (YouTube) A great green route into Cambridge. Goes through areas EastCity (Open KML), (Download KML);
| Reduced Description. See walkers, shared-use path. A great green quiet route into town from the east. | Starts on Ditton Meadows; Stourbridge Common; at 00:32; |
Friendly
Ditton Meadows Cyclepath, Fison Road, Thorp Way, Tiptree Close, Newmarket Park and Ride Cyclepath (YouTube) The final section of getting to the Newmarket Road Park and Ride along the green corridor. Goes through areas EastCity (Open KML), (Download KML);
| The final section of getting to the Newmarket Road Park and Ride along the green corridor. It starts coming from the exit to Ditton Meadows, although a link through from Howard Road is just to the right at the very beginning. The left fork is towards the centre of the old Fen Ditton village, right follows the park to the Park and Ride. The first section is narrow for a shared-use path. Take care of other people walking and riding, slowing as necessary. At the end of the straight section the right turn is very sharp, beyond a right-angle. Dead slow is advisable, also to avoid the overgrown hedge. The crossing is not mandatory cycle-only so you can go through on red. Either cross the main road in full and use the lowered kerb to get into the side road, or turn into the main road space and make a proper turn into the side road like I did. The estate is usually pretty quiet. Plenty of parked cars, so be aware not to ride in the door zone. Take the first left to get to the final path. The last path can be a bit wet in winter, and it looks like a local farmer uses it, depositing quite a lot of mud at the far end. However, it's away from motor traffic. The entrance to the Park and Ride is pretty, but don't be lulled into a false sense of safety. When the car park has cars in it people driving often forget to look for people cycling across it. Watch out for them and look at their eyes to see if they are being observant. Note that passing the hedges in the central sections leaves many road crossings unsighted. And this is a shared-use path which narrows as you approach the bus stop station. Take care of other people walking and riding. The path goes up behind the shelter, which is good as it does separate from people walking, but it is very narrow still. And at the end the left road is again unsighted. Finally, I come out along the road where it's probably better to stick to the shared-use path to continue out of town. | Starts on Ditton Meadows Cyclepath; Fison Road; at 00:19; Thorp Way; at 00:25; Tiptree Close; at 00:30; Newmarket Park and Ride Cyclepath; at 00:33; Newmarket Road Park and Ride; at 00:57; |
Mixed
Downing Street, Mill Lane, Coe Fen to Newnham (YouTube) A useful link from town south west along a green corridor. Goes through areas SouthCity (Open KML), (Download KML); CentreCity (Open KML), (Download KML);
| Turning either way from Regent Street into Downing Street is quite awkward. There's a lot of crossing pedestrians who simply aren't expecting anyone cycling through against traffic. You just have to be patient and stop as needed. The contraflow cyclelane on Downing street is useful but should be used with great care. Coming out of it, into the oncoming lane is an illegal manoeuvre, even passing stopped vehicles. You should walk along the pavement in that case, however irritating the parked vehicle is. At the end of Downing Street, take care of pedestrians not looking as they cross and only focussing on cars form the other direction. Getting out can also be a bit awkward. Mill Lane is nicely quiet, although there are a lot of pedestrians, so take care. Crossing the Coe Fen will also have plenty of pedestrians, so likewise. I prefer brake-flicking to bells, as it says a bit about my actions (slowing down). Crossing Fen Causeway can be frustrating. It's possible to continue up it rather than wait at the lights. However, then it's awkward at the roundabout. I prefer the wait and a nicer ride in a quieter place. | Starts on Downing Street; Mill Lane; at 00:26; Coe Fen; at 00:33; |
Hostile
Downing Street, Regent Street (YouTube) Coming along Downing Street with motor-traffic is a bit hostile as its a bit busy and narrow. Goes through areas CentreCity (Open KML), (Download KML);
| Coming along Downing Street with motor-traffic is a bit hostile as its a bit busy and narrow. Be aware of manoeuvres coming on and off the main road. At the end of the street the lights allow you to catch up all the motor vehicles that passed you. Regent Street is also narrow and busy. The first part so more to do with manoeuvres coming off and on the main road. The second part as it narrows. It may be better to peel off at the pedestrian lights and use Regents Terrace. It's quieter and if you hit Gonville Place right you'll get onto Hills Road quicker. | Starts on Regent Street; |
More links: Main Post
Friendly
Dry Drayton to Barhill (YouTube) A useful link for some (but not all) bike types. Goes through areas West (Open KML), (Download KML);
| Reduced Description. See walkers, door zone, primary, shared-use path, cyclepath. A link between two villages. Sadly, the restriction points, possibly aimed at stopping moped use, stops a number of bike types using it. This would be a great place to be able to get a cargo or trailer bike. At the start, there's a cyclepath helping people cycling to avoid the main road. In the village look out for parked cars. | Starts on Park Street, Dry Drayton; High Street, Dry Drayton; at 00:17; Bar Hill Dry Drayton Cyclepath; at 00:35; |
More links: Door Zone, Primary Position, Cyclepath, Path, Shared-Use Path, People Walking, Main Post
Hostile
Elizabeth Way (YouTube) This is not a great place to ride. Goes through areas EastCity (Open KML), (Download KML);
| This is not a great place to ride. There's plenty of space over the bridge, but it quickly narrows after that. The cyclelane along the bridge is awful. It's one long puddle full of road debris and rubbish and the odd drain. I ride outside it. You'll notice that at the end of the bridge, there is a completely senseless bit of driving. I did make the police aware and they tried to follow it up as well below standards expected. Sadly, it was hard to do as it was a car driven by any of a number of people working in an insurance company. After the bridge the road narrows and the emphasis of the cyclelane disappears, really not sure why. Then the cyclelane narrows a lot becoming quite dangerous (thanks to paint, debris, and drains). Strangely, the road turns back into two lanes with no cyclelane. As if to emphasis this hostile environment, a car red light jumps right at the end of the clip. | Starts on Elizabeth Way; |
Mixed
Emmanuel Road, Parker Street (YouTube) This shows the hostile roadspace here. Goes through areas CentreCity (Open KML), (Download KML);
| This is comparatively quiet, but no without hostility. The streets are narrow and restricted to taxis and buses. | Starts on Emmanuel Road; Parker Street; at 00:22; |
More links: Main Post
Mixed
Emmanuel Street, Drummer Street, Emmanuel Road, Elm Street, Prospect Row, Adam and Eve Street, Burleigh Street (YouTube) This is a useful link from the centre out east. Goes through areas CentreCity (Open KML), (Download KML);
| Emmanuel Street is a very hostile place with many buses and taxis competing for roadspace. Drummer Street and Emmanuel Road are a bit better, but not much. Elm Street is a welcome relief, although take care whilst crossing Clarendon Road. It may look a quiet road, but has limited visibility. Linking into Prospect Road is quiet. Adam and Eve Street has some light and slow traffic and the last bit of the pedestrian precinct has the inevitable number of pedestrians, so take care. The crossing allows links to further quiet routes. | Starts on Emmanuel Street; Drummer Street; at 00:06; Emmanuel Road; at 00:10; Elm Street; at 00:16; Prospect Row; at 00:29; Adam and Eve Street; at 00:39; Burleigh Street; at 00:52; |
More links: Main Post
Friendly
Fen Ditton to Ditton Meadows (YouTube) A great green route into Cambridge. Goes through areas EastCity (Open KML), (Download KML);
| Reduced Description. See walkers, shared-use path. A great green quiet route into town from the east. | Starts on Ditton Meadows Cyclepath; Ditton Meadows; at 00:31; |
Reasonable
Fen Road, Stourbridge Common, Garlic Row (YouTube) This is a useful link across the river. Goes through areas EastCity (Open KML), (Download KML);
| This is a useful link across the river. First there's cycle-only links into Water Street so it's quiet. The "Cyclists Dismount" sign is advisory only, but given the width of the bridge, it's worth going very slowly here and certainly not harassing pedestrians. The path across Stourbridge Common is quick and has a quick exit onto Garlic Row. Garlic Row ahs a lot of parked cars (mostly managing to get to their parking space by illegally driving on the pavement). At least it is very quiet. | Starts on Fen Road; Stourbridge Common; at 00:17; Garlic Row; at 00:29; |
Hostile
Fendon Road, Mowbray Road (YouTube) This shows the hostile roadspace here. Goes through areas SouthCity (Open KML), (Download KML);
| Coming off the Addenbrookes Roundabout you can see cars slip the onroad cyclelane, so a reminder to take care and not assume the lane gives people cycling protection. The road section has a wide-ish cyclelane and traffic isn't too fast, however, the second two of these cars fail to adhere to Highway Code rule 163, to give me enough space when passing. Note that due to car congestion both these cars and more don't gain anything by passing me. At the roundabout at the end of Fendon Road, the cyclelane disappears, right at the most dangerous place for cyclists. Essentially, it's a cheap bit of cycle infrastructure done badly enough to make it more dangerous to cycle. After the roundabout the cyclelane appears again, just after another danger spot. Mowbray Road is much the same, although one or two more parked cars of which to be wary. It's always worth checking whether these cars might suddenly move. Further up the road, the cyclelane degenerates, filling with road debris, puddles, paintwork, and litter. Just before I get to it, a car pulls out of the cyclelane where it's been parked. Right next to a large offroad tarmac space. Right at the end of the clip, at the Cherry Hinton Road, there is a cyclelane marked into the roundabout. One up on previously, but still unprotected as we see the white van clipping into it. | Starts on Fendon Road; Mowbray Road; at 00:12; |
Reasonable
Fishers Lane, Bridewell Road, Primrose Close, Lucerne Close, Teasel Way (YouTube) A good quiet route through west Cherry Hinton. Goes through areas EastCity (Open KML), (Download KML);
| Reduced Description. See walkers, door zone, primary, shared-use path. Take care of parked cars and people walking in the shared-use path link. | Starts on Fishers Lane; Bridewell Road; at 00:23; Primrose Close; at 00:28; Lucerne Close; at 00:38; Teasel Way; at 00:47; |
More links: Door Zone, Primary Position, Path, Shared-Use Path, People Walking, People Walking, Main Post
Reasonable
Fort St George Riverbridge, Aylestone Road, De Freville Avenue, Montague Road Chesterton Recreation Ground, St Andrews Churchyard (YouTube) This is a useful cut through quiet residential streets avoiding larger, busier streets. Goes through areas NorthCity (Open KML), (Download KML); CentreCity (Open KML), (Download KML);
| This is a useful cut through quiet residential streets avoiding larger, busier streets. The river bridge has separated cycle facilities helping both people walking and riding to avoid each other in a tight space. Always take care of pedestrians on the bridge. Using Aylestone Road is a bit quieter than Hamilton Road (at the end of the first road), but both are good. Parked cars need care to avoid the door zone, and road crossings as well. Likewise on De Freville Avenue and Montague Road. At the end of this, there is a crossing over Elizabeth Way and almost directly opposite the shared-use path towards Chesterton. Now, some pavement exists between these two, but I can't imagine using the road to get between these accesses as anything but nonsensical. If you feel strongly, push your bike for this bit. The path next to Chesterton Recreation Ground is wide and quiet. Likewise as it continues through St Andrew's Churchyard. A bit smaller, so be wary of people walking. | Starts on Fort St George Bridge; Aylestone Road; at 00:09; De Freville Avenue; at 00:16; Montague Road; at 00:25; Chesterton Recreation Ground; at 00:40; St Andrews Churchyard; at 00:48; |
Reasonable
Francis Crick Avenue, Robinson Way (YouTube) A reasonable route linking the genome path to Long Road. Goes through areas SouthCity (Open KML), (Download KML);
| Reduced Description. See primary, secondary, cyclelane. Okay but not the most pleasant of routes. People do drive faster than the 20mph limit and sometimes don't give enough space. | Starts on Francis Crick Avenue; Robinson Way; at 00:31; |
Friendly
From Barhill Centre (YouTube) A useful link from the centre of the village out to the route to Dry Drayton. Goes through areas West (Open KML), (Download KML);
| Reduced Description. See walkers, door zone, shared-use path, cyclepath. This village is designed to have crossing non-motor routes in the middle of it. It's not clear whether these are for people cycling, but Google/Sustrans has them as such. They are certainly mostly wide enough. Where the path narrows, slowing down is appropriate. On the roads, look out for parked cars. | Starts on Centre Car Park, Bar Hill; Centre to Little Meadow Path, Bar Hill; at 00:04; Little Meadow, Bar Hill; at 00:59; Saxon Way, Bar Hill; at 01:05; |
Reasonable
From Barton Road along Grantchester Road (YouTube) A narrow slow road west of Cambridge. Goes through areas West (Open KML), (Download KML); WestCity (Open KML), (Download KML);
| This road is one of the better ones to the west of Cambridge. People tend to drive a little slower, probably as it's not straight and quite narrow. At the start in town, the parked cars make it quite narrow. Remember to ride outside of the door zone and be aware of people driving from behind that might try to make a bad pass as a result, despite the lack of room for such a move. I find a space to pull in, although the driver still fails to pull out where there's space, despite me trying to be nice to them. The high hedges along the route mean you'll need to use ears as well to anticipate motor traffic. It's quite a fast surface and dips just before the village. In Grantchester, cars parked along the opposite side of the road narrow the space considerably. Be aware of cars trying to pass in far too short a space between these cars, as happened here. I try to help the driver through after they almost ran into a parked car. | Starts on Barton Road; Grantchester Road, Newnham; at 00:03; Broadway, Grantchester; at 01:00; |
More links: Door Zone, Clip of Attempted Poor Pass
Friendly
From Madingley Road past Vet School, West Cambridge Cyclepath, Adams Road (YouTube) This is a slightly strange route but gets you away from the unpleasant roadspace of Madingley Road. Goes through areas WestCity (Open KML), (Download KML);
| This is a slightly strange route but gets you away from the unpleasant roadspace of Madingley Road. The Vet School has some strange traffic arrangements to ensure considerate parking. There are safe ways round some of the more awkward. At the end of the road there's some surely incorrect signage. I understand that it's "No Entry" to motor vehicles, but it's missing the "Except Cycles" sign underneath. This section IS the cycle infra in place for this part of the facility. Cycling is expected. If you feel strongly, push your bike through this bit. After a couple of turns, the path crosses to the West Cambridge Cyclepath, another big win for cycling infrastructure. Separate cyclepath and walkway helps keep most people apart correctly. Be aware that work vehicles can be along here, but rarely more than parked up or moving safely. Unfortunately, the access from the cyclepath to the road is not very well thought out. The idea is to stop people cycling shooting out into the road blithely without considering what people driving are doing. Or to put it the other way, it's to let people blithely drive about how they feel like without feeling any responsibility for their actions. Having said that, there's so little conflict here, its complete overkill. People driving are rarely going any speed, especially with the speed humps in a 20mph zone. Adams Road is quiet but has a lot of parked cars, so avoid the door zone. This can lead to some conflict with oncoming traffic where people driving don't allow enough space to people cycling. To begin with, staying out in the road makes you more visible, and will lead to slowing if necessary. Of course, pull over and slow down yourself as you get closer. | Starts on Vet School; West Cambridge Cyclepath; at 00:25; Adams Road; at 00:47; |
Reasonable
Fulbourn Hospital (YouTube) A reasonable link between two routes east of Cherry Hinton. Goes through areas EastCity (Open KML), (Download KML);
| Reduced Description. See primary, secondary. A cut through between two parallel routes from Fulbourn.Quiet and low speed. Look out for people pulling out. And note that the person driving the red car passed me then held me up because cars cannot go as fast through this road system. | Starts on Fulbourn Hospital; |
Reasonable
Fulbourn Old Drift (East) (YouTube) A reasonable and useful route further out in east Cambridge. Goes through areas EastCity (Open KML), (Download KML);
| Reduced Description. See door zone, primary. A useful quiet link. Look out for the primary school, both for parents doing silly things in cars and kids running around. Crossing at the end is usually okay as it's over around 50 yards to fit in between people driving. | Starts on Fulbourn Old Drift, Cherry Hinton; Gazelle Way, Cherry Hinton; at 00:00; |
Friendly
Fulbourn Old Drift 2 (east) (YouTube) A quiet route linking from Cherry Hinton to Fulbourn. Goes through areas East (Open KML), (Download KML); EastCity (Open KML), (Download KML);
| Reduced Description. See walkers, door zone, primary, shared-use path. Look out for parked cars and look out especially around the school. Crossing the road is made easier as it can be done over 50 yards. The path onwards heads towards Fulbourn. Take care especially around the supermarket exits. | Starts on Fulbourn Old Drift, Cherry Hinton; Gazelle Way, Cherry Hinton; at 00:26; Fulbourn Old Drift Cyclepath, Fulbourn; at 00:35; |
Mixed
Fulbourn Old Drift and High Street to The Tins, Cherry Hinton (YouTube) This is a useful cut through quiet residential streets coming into town from the east. Goes through areas EastCity (Open KML), (Download KML);
| Although there is a path next to the railway, it's narrow and pretty unpleasant as used for dumping. This link makes for a much nicer route. From the level crossing (next to Tesco), using the shared path to get onto Fulbourn Old Drift. This road is quiet and is relatively free of parked cars. Remember to avoid the door zone when passing any. At the mini-roundabout, the route becomes a lot more busy on Cherry Hinton High Street. Luckily, there's a useful link cyclepath that takes people cycling past the traffic lights. Take care of the road entrance, not least because the kerb drop is fairly big. Unfortunately, that's about the only goodish bit of cycle infra here as the path leads back into the roadspace with a very poor on-road cyclelane. It's in the gutter, too small, and in the door zone, jumps off- and on-road without protection to only be used in odd circumstances like traffic jams, and then with great care. | Starts on Fulbourn Old Drift, Cherry Hinton; High Street, Cherry Hinton; at 00:27; |
Reasonable
Fulbourn Old Drift to Daws Lane (YouTube) A reasonable route linking through Cherry Hinton to Fulbourn. Goes through areas EastCity (Open KML), (Download KML); East (Open KML), (Download KML);
| Reduced Description. See walkers, door zone, primary, shared-use path. Take great care through the car park as people walking may step out and people driving may not be concentrating on the possibility of people cycling. Through the residential streets look out for parked cars and people walking on the shared-use paths. | Starts on Fulbourn Old Drift Cyclepath, Fulbourn; Superstore Car Park, Cherry Hinton; at 00:06; Teasel Way; at 00:20; Lucerne Close; at 00:26; Primrose Close; at 00:29; Bridewell Road; at 00:33; Fishers Lane; at 00:37; High Street, Cherry Hinton; at 00:51; Chelwood Road; at 00:55; Mill End Road; at 01:00; Sidney Farm Road; at 01:03; |
More links: Door Zone, Primary Position, Path, Shared-Use Path, People Walking, People Walking, Main Post
Reasonable
Fulbourn Old Drift to Daws Lane 2 (YouTube) A reasonable route linking through Cherry Hinton to Fulbourn. Goes through areas EastCity (Open KML), (Download KML); East (Open KML), (Download KML);
| Reduced Description. See walkers, door zone, primary, shared-use path. Take great care through the car park as people walking may step out and people driving may not be concentrating on the possibility of people cycling. Through the residential streets look out for parked cars and people walking on the shared-use paths. | Starts on Fulbourn Old Drift Cyclepath, Fulbourn; Superstore Car Park, Cherry Hinton; at 00:08; Teasel Way; at 00:20; Lucerne Close; at 00:25; Primrose Close; at 00:34; Bridewell Road; at 00:39; Colville Road; at 00:42; High Street, Cherry Hinton; at 01:00; Love Lane; at 01:03; Mill End Road; at 01:14; Sidney Farm Road; at 01:19; |
More links: Door Zone, Primary Position, Path, Shared-Use Path, People Walking, People Walking, Main Post
Friendly
Fulbourn Old Drift to Teasel Way (YouTube) A off-road link around the railway barrier. Goes through areas EastCity (Open KML), (Download KML);
| Reduced Description. See walkers, door zone, primary, shared-use path. This is the only off-road route passing the railway since The Tins bridge, with the only crossing before that the dreaded Cherry Hinton Road. There is some question whether cycling is allowed at the end of the shared-use path, although Google/Sustrans has it listed. | Starts on Gazelle Way, Cherry Hinton; Speedwell Close, Cherry Hinton; at 00:16; Teasel Way; at 00:31; |
Reasonable
Fulbourn Old Drift, Pierce Lane, School Lane, Fulbourn (YouTube) A reasonable route from Cherry Hinton to Fulbourn centre. Goes through areas EastCity (Open KML), (Download KML); East (Open KML), (Download KML);
| Reduced Description. See walkers, door zone, primary, shared-use path. A useful link between two villages and on. Take care of people driving past you in the village as they may attempt this round some of the bends without knowing what is coming. | Starts on School Lane, Fulbourn; Fulbourn Old Drift, Cherry Hinton; at 00:26; Fulbourn Old Drift, Fulbourn; at 00:37; Hinton Road, Fulbourn; at 00:55; Pierce Lane, Fulbourn; at 01:25; High Street, Fulbourn; at 01:32; |
Reasonable
Fulbourn Old Drift, Teversham Drift (YouTube) A useful link from Cherry Hinton towards Fulbourn. Goes through areas EastCity (Open KML), (Download KML);
| Reduced Description. See walkers, door zone, primary, shared-use path. Take care whilst turning into Fulbourn Old Drift through the restrictions. Take care past the school. Look out for traffic in both directions at the roundabout, some form the left may not think you have priority. Look out for the lack of dropped kerb at the very end whilst trying to negotiate the poor width restrictions. | Starts on Fulbourn Old Drift, Cherry Hinton; Teversham Drift, Cherry Hinton; at 00:33; |
Hostile
Fulbourn Road and Cambridge Road, Fulbourn (YouTube) This shows the hostile roadspace here. Goes through areas East (Open KML), (Download KML);
| This is simply not a nice place to ride a bike. The pavement is shared use but only after the on the left houses stop. After that there's clearly little expectation of people cycling on it as there are a number of pedestrians walking along the middle of it. Unlike other shared use facilities there's nowhere to go outside of those boundaries. The roadspace is very unpleasant as well with people driving too fast, too close, and not taking any measures they should when passing vulnerable road users. If 20mph limits are to be standard in town, this is a classic example of a place that needs to be 30mph. Approaching the roundabout, take great care to check where people driving intend to go. Many will still try to pass on the corner approaching the roundabout. Look for a safe spot to pull out, then take the lane to stop this. The roundabout can be done at speeds similar to cars and has a convenient slope to help that out. Try to hold the lane on the exit as it's a sharp, blind corner with no opportunity for safe passing by cars. After, try to ease any waiting cars past, although the shared use path is still fairly poor, especially with all the side roads. At the bus stop, start using the shared use path. It's much safer as the car speeds go up again, and there's only one side road left. Approaching that turning, just before the hill, see if it's safe to go back into the road space. It stops you losing priority if there are cars waiting to pull out. As you can see, I couldn't do this. Come back in as soon as it's past as the hill is much better out of the roadspace. Coming down the hill into Fulbourn, check traffic behind to find a spot to safely pull out. The shared use path does an awkward divert into the side road, losing priority, so it's better to get out although can be used in extremis. These is a cycle space on the left side of the traffic calming, use it if you want. I find it slower and can be full of rubbish, and you can see I keep up with traffic here. | Starts on Fulbourn Road, Cherry Hinton; Cambridge Road, Fulbourn; at 00:59; |
Reasonable
Fulbourn Road Cyclepath (YouTube) A reasonable offroad route avoiding the hostile road space, although not complete. Goes through areas East (Open KML), (Download KML);
| Reduced Description. See walkers, shared-use path. Not the best path. Awkward diversion around the roundabout with some unsighted corners. Look out for people walking. And note that this doesn't go all the way to the junction. | Starts on Cambridge Road, Fulbourn; Fulbourn Road, Cherry Hinton; at 00:23; |
Reasonable
Gilbert Road (YouTube) A reasonable link through north-west Cambridge. Goes through areas NorthCity (Open KML), (Download KML);
| On the face of it, Gilbert Road should be a new haven for people cycling with it's new cyclelanes and parking ban. It's certainly better than it was but clearly has some serious issues that unsurprisingly mean a lot of locals riding still stick to the pavements. One of the problems of onroad cyclelanes is that some people driving take them as separate lanes just like they were a separate road lane for a car. The consideration that a line of white paint is enough space to pass someone cycling is clearly wrong and contradicts Highway Code rule 163. If a car is that close it will create enough airwash to knock some people cycling sideways and can be intimidating and dangerous. The first car passing has made this mistake. Then, with the lax law enforcement around parking and stopping in cyclelanes (Highway Code rule 240 backed up by law), people driving are not penalised at all from dangerous behaviour like this taxi in the cyclelane. The irony is that there's plenty of space for this person driving to pull out of the way properly. Note that as I pass, I check behind and pull out as the passing car pulls alongside. The person driving the passing car realised I was going to get squeezed and gives me some space. Given the amount of space on the rest of the road, they could have given a bit more, although I was confortable with the manoeuvre all the way through as were they. Whilst these scenarios exist, I understand why people cycling dont' feel safe in the new roadspace. Be aware that there are lots of side accesses and that people may drive out without paying enough attention as you pass. The further out you can be the more likely you are to be seen. Additionally, people can use the verge as a parking area. Remember to ride outside of the door zone with cars parked right next to the roadspace. Also note the car in the ASL at the end of the clip. So, in this clip, there's been at least 3 examples of illegal/anti-social driving and none of illegal/anti-social cycling. | Starts on Gilbert Road; |
Reasonable
Gilbert Road, Herbert Street, Ferry Path, Pretoria Road (YouTube) This is a useful cut through quiet residential streets coming into the centre from the north. Goes through areas NorthCity (Open KML), (Download KML);
| This is the new cyclelane taken up on Gilbert Street. They are wide and well marked. It'd still be better if they were protected from the road by a kerb. Note that I did exactly the right speed along the road and reach the lights at the end just as they change. Turning left onto Milton Road can be done on the shared use path which can help with the lights. Almost immediately, turn right into Herbert Street which is a nice quiet street. There are a lot of parked cars, so riding in the middle of the road is about the only place to avoid the door zone. This means handling other traffic very carefully. At the end, there's a link to take you onto Chesterton Road, although sometimes cars are illegally parked here. Crossing Chesterton Road is awkward, so take care. There is a central refuge area which helps. Ferry Path and Pretoria Road are quiet streets, although there is some traffic and definitely parked cars of which to be wary. | Starts on Gilbert Road; Milton Road; at 00:41; Herbert Street; at 00:46; Ferry Path; at 00:58; Hamilton Road; at 01:00; Pretoria Road; at 01:01; |
Reasonable
Glebe Road, Baldock Road, Blinco Grove (YouTube) A useful quite link through the south of town. Goes through areas SouthCity (Open KML), (Download KML);
| A useful quite link through the south of town. From Mowbray Road this uses quiet residential roads to get through to Hills Road. Lots of parked cars so ride out of the door zone and be aware of oncoming people driving without taking that into consideration. Right up Baldock Road, which is much narrower and has a restricted width section halfway down. Then left turn into Blinco Grove, which can be a bit busier, although has traffic calming due to the schools. This is a place to be especially aware of the door zone and be aware of oncoming traffic. A little way along the road cedes priority to traffic form the right. Again, take care here. With the narrow width between parked cars you may want to pull over if you get someone driving behind you. If there's plenty of road ahead, I'll often find a spot that doesn't slow me too much to let cars past. One in front is less of a worry than one behind! | Starts on Glebe Road; Baldock Road; at 00:14; Blinco Grove; at 00:31; |
Reasonable
Glebe Road, Baldock Road, Blinco Grove, Rock Road (YouTube) A useful quite link through the south of town. Goes through areas SouthCity (Open KML), (Download KML);
| A useful quite link through the south of town. From Mowbray Road this uses quiet residential roads to get through to Hills Road. Lots of parked cars so ride out of the door zone and be aware of oncoming people driving without taking that into consideration. Right up Baldock Road, which is much narrower and has a restricted width section halfway down. Then left turn into Blinco Grove, which can be a bit busier, although has traffic calming due to the schools. This is a place to be especially aware of the door zone and be aware of oncoming traffic. Again, take care here. With the narrow width between parked cars you may want to pull over if you get someone driving behind you. If there's plenty of road ahead, I'll often find a spot that doesn't slow me too much to let cars past. One in front is less of a worry than one behind! A little way along the road cedes priority to traffic from the right. Turning right needs care for people driving and riding from that direction. A little way up Rock Road, the Hartingdon Road junction is one of the few "give way to all directions" junctions that works. Almost certainly due to it being motor traffic from all directions. Where it's different transport modes, the bigger mode will prevail with priority. At the end Cherry Hinton Road is not very pleasant, although traffic is usually quite slow. And it's not far to Rustat Road where quiet northerly routes continue. | Starts on Glebe Road; Baldock Road; at 00:14; Blinco Grove; at 00:31; Rock Road; at 00:42; |
Reasonable
Glisson Road, Lyndewode Road, St Barnabas Street (YouTube) Slightly out of focus link through Petersfield. Goes through areas EastCity (Open KML), (Download KML); SouthCity (Open KML), (Download KML);
| Slightly out of focus, hmm. There's an access point allowing people cycling to come off Hills Road into Glisson Road. This is a quiet road, but with plenty of parked cars, so ride out of the door zone. At the end of Lyndewode Road, there are cycle-only traffic lights. These MUST be obeyed, it's not like road-crossing lights (Toucans). Straight onto St Barnabas Street, another quiet road with parked cars. | Starts on Glisson Road; Lyndewood Road; at 00:06; St Barnabas Road; at 00:22; |
Mixed
Glisson Road, Lyndewode Road, Tenison Road, Devonshire Road, Carter Railway Bridge, Rustat Road, Davy Road (YouTube) A short quiet link from Hills Road towards Cherry Hinton. Goes through areas EastCity (Open KML), (Download KML); SouthCity (Open KML), (Download KML);
| A short quiet link from Hills Road towards Cherry Hinton. Get into Glisson Road through a contraflow cyclelane, taking care of people crossing and slowing down for the turn. Lots of parked cars, so avoid riding in the door zone and take care of oncoming traffic not taking this into consideration. Enter Lyndewode Road carefully avoiding people cycling out from it and turning right. The lights at the end of Lyndewode Road are cycle-only, so are mandatory and you must stop if they are red. Turning right usually times well with the Devonshire Road lights, so there's no point in rushing. In Devonshire Road the cyclebridge is on the right and has two paths to it. I suspect only one lane is really used. I think this is narrowed so that people riding down from the bridge are forced to slow before the road. But it does lead to conflict with people riding onto the bridge as they want to maintain speed for the way up, not possible with the other lane. At the other end of the bridge, take care with the corner as there are likely to be people cycling and walking here. Rustat Road and Davy Road have a lot of parked cars so avoid the door zone. The route onwards goes to the heart of Cherry Hinton avoiding the nasty Cherry Hinton Road. | Starts on Glisson Road; Lyndewode Road; at 00:06; Tenison Road; at 00:15; Devonshire Road; at 00:18; Carter Railway Bridge; at 00:23; Rustat Road; at 00:38; Davy Road; at 00:46; |
Hostile
Gonville Place, East Road, Newmarket Road, Coldhams Lane (YouTube) This is a very unpleasant place to ride, avoid and use other quieter routes. Goes through areas EastCity (Open KML), (Download KML); SouthCity (Open KML), (Download KML);
| This is a very unpleasant place to ride, avoid and use other quieter routes. Not only that but slowed by too many motor vehicles. As you can see, I make it up the mile to the roundabout quicker than motor transport can, despite one trying to pointlessly pass me, entirely due to congestion. Take care along all these narrow roads with equally narrow (and often ignored) cyclelanes. Always go along space between traffic very carefully, and if stopped, make sure you are in a place that is visible to the driver of the nearby vehicle. I actually slow to let the coach pull ahead as the road narrows after the lights. You can also see how dangerous parking along East Road is with the white van clearly restricting the roadspace considerably, and the lorry pavement parked and in the cyclelane forcing me out into traffic. The cyclelane is useful at lights, and continues onto the pavement, possibly preferable for a quiet life. The cycleroutes under East Road roundabout are a safer, although a long and slow way round. The roundabout is only for those who feel they can cope, although it's still scary. The Newmarket Road cyclelane is full of rubbish, drains, and road debris. However, it is useful in congestion. Until someone parks in it of course. Pulling alongside traffic at the lights is one of the great things about being on a bike. You can avoid all that congestion that cars cause themselves. I do pull well over and go slowly so that a few cars can get past me afterwards, although it's usually for only a very short time before I've caught up again. Finally, Coldhams Lane railway bridge is pretty hostile, as the van failing to obey Highway Code rule 163 proves. Again, probably better to use the cycle bridge, although it's really awkward to get to when coming this way. | Starts on Gonville Place; East Road; at 00:21; Newmarket Road Roundabout; at 00:50; Newmarket Road; at 00:58; Coldhams Lane; at 01:12; |
Friendly
Gough Way, Dane Drive, new Bridge, Cramner Road (YouTube) This is a useful local shortcut, mainly for this estate. Goes through areas WestCity (Open KML), (Download KML);
| This is a useful local shortcut, mainly for this estate. Coming out onto Gough Way is limited visibility, so it's worth doing slowly. Gough Way is a bit rambling and again has a littering of parked cars, so care over the door zone and cars in strange places on the road. Although the path is opposite the lampost at 12 seconds, I continue along the road. All side roads to the right have access to the path. At the last turn, the route is at the left side of the end of the road. The new bridge is strangely narrow with a corner given its new. The path is very narrow for a shared path with at least one blind corner. So low speeds for everyone's safety. The path at the end is on the right as is very narrow for a shared path with at least one blind corner. So low speeds for everyone's safety. Cramner Road is very quiet, but has plenty of parked cars. Ride well outside the door zone. | Starts on Gough Way; Dane Drive; at 00:25; Bin Brook Path; at 00:35; Cramner Road; at 00:50; |
Reasonable
Grange Road (YouTube) Grange Road is a mixture of cycling facilities, some good some quite bad. Goes through areas WestCity (Open KML), (Download KML);
| Grange Road is a mixture of cycling facilities. Some of it is useful, although a lot is too small and has the usual gutter issues of road debris, litter, drains, and poor road surface. The facilities at traffic calming are useful, although can have cars illegally parked, especially outside Robinson College. Note that it is worth being a bit further out in the road past side junctions. | Starts on Grange Road; |
More links: Additional Pedestrianised Riding Clip
Reasonable
Grange Road (North) (YouTube) A reasonable link through west Cambridge. Goes through areas WestCity (Open KML), (Download KML);
| Grange Road is a reasonable way through west Cambridge, although despite being a 20mph limit (often ignored) and with less traffic, it can be narrow and a bit awkward with stopped vehicles. At the very start of the this clip there's an example of why you need to take great care whilst crossing the road to get into it. I get to the junction first, which is set as a give way to all directions from all directions. I pull out to cross and notice a startled look from a driver coming down Grange Road in the other direction (unseen here). This was clearly due to them not anticipating crossing cycle traffic and not planning to give way at the appropriate line before the cyclepath crossing. Their speed was only going to allow them to stop by the main road, another 10m further on. This is a classic example of why give-way to all directions junctions when involving two different modes of traffic simply do not work and makes it more dangerous for vunerable road users. Progressing up Grange Road, the cyclelane is more of a road sign to tell people driving they may be people cycling here. It's certainly not much use for people cycling. A lot is too small and has the usual gutter issues of road debris, litter, drains, and poor road surface. Secondary position is roughly at the lane edge paint. It's worth taking the primary position here if you feel threatened by a poor overtake and certainly with oncoming traffic. The facilities at traffic calming are useful, although can have cars illegally parked, especially outside Robinson College. Note that it is worth being a bit further out in the road past side junctions. At one point the road narrows from the left. I pull out earlier than the corner to stop poor passes and being driven into the pavement. When at the Robinson College restriction be very careful as people can run out of the college and into the road. It's worth considering taking the motor-vehicle route through here if it looks busy on the pavement. Oncoming people driving may not spot that you might do this, being further out will help. This may be required as often there are delivery and taxi vehicles parked up in the cyclelane here. It's a shame that Robinson College don't see fit to tell people driving on their behalf not to do this. Towards the end, the cyclelane gets a bit bigger and can be useful. Note that at the end, both sides of Madingley Road has shared-use paths which can help to avoid the unpleasant roadspace. Also, you can get into them easily, by pushing your bike the 2/3 yards to the ones on this side. | Starts on Grange Road; |
More links: Primary Position, Secondary Position, Cyclelane, Cyclepath, Path, Shared-Use Path, Main Post
Reasonable
Grange Road, Sidgwick Avenue (YouTube) A reasonable link through west Cambridge. Goes through areas WestCity (Open KML), (Download KML);
| Grange Road is a reasonable way through west Cambridge, although despite being a 20mph limit (often ignored) and with less traffic, it can be narrow and a bit awkward with stopped vehicles. The cyclelane here is a bit wider than at other places, so can have some use. Elsewhere, a lot is too small and has the usual gutter issues of road debris, litter, drains, and poor road surface. It's worth taking the primary position here if you feel threatened by a poor overtake and certainly with oncoming traffic. The facilities at traffic calming are useful, although can have cars illegally parked, especially outside Robinson College. Note that it is worth being a bit further out in the road past side junctions. Sidgwick Avenue is reasonably quiet but has much more danger posed by parked cars and people driving trying to pass inconsiderately. This is one place close overtaking happens a lot. Take the primary position if you feel threatened by a poor pass, as long as you can do it safely. Passing the parked cars remember to try to ride outside of the door zone. This can be difficult, noting the bike ahead is too close. I suspect they have seen the oncoming traffic ahead and are planning to avoid them. Note that this oncoming person driving does stop for the person driving the taxi passing the cars but does not do the same for the people cycling. As we were at the parked cars first they should have waited as the same amount of space should be allowed. Also note that the person dirving the taxi that did pass me, although not badly, didn't get any further along the road despite their higher peak speed. There was little point in going faster than I was riding. | Starts on Grange Road; Sidgwick Avenue; at 00:27; |
Reasonable
Granhams Road (YouTube) This used to be the way to get to south Cambridge from Shelford before the Addenbrookes path. Goes through areas South (Open KML), (Download KML);
| This used to be the way to get to south Cambridge from Shelford before the Addenbrookes path. It's not entirely pleasant if you're not used to country traffic. People driving do tend to fail to slow, even passing on blind corners, of which this road has many. It does have a reasonably high traffic flow in both directions. | Starts on Granhams Road; |
Friendly
Grantchester Meadows (YouTube) A quiet link south west of Cambridge. Goes through areas WestCity (Open KML), (Download KML); West (Open KML), (Download KML);
| From the centre of Granchester turning between the local pubs takes you down to Grantchester Meadows. Granchester Meadows are often busy, especially in summer where it's a great place to come. Look out for cowpats. Also, look for others that stop in the middle of the path without thinking that others might not want to puddle through the deep mud either side. I did get "Oops, sorry"! The path is a permissive path only. That means there's no right to cycle (as a bridleway) and it could be retracted by the landowner at any stage. Always take great care of people walking. Look at their eyes to see if they have seen you. Be polite if they get out of your way. The residential roads are very quiet, although people driving sometimes don't understand why you don't want to be right next to the parked cars in the door zone. I hold my line away from the parked cars until late. This usefully slows down oncoming traffic as well as keeping you out of the door zone as much as possible. I was lucky at the lights, although you could cross to the right side pavement and push the bike road the corner to avoid a long wait. | Starts on Short Street, Grantchester; Grantchester Meadows Path; at 00:12; Lammas Land Road; at 00:28; Grantchester Meadows; at 01:00; Eltisley Avenue; at 01:10; Grantchester Street; at 01:20; |
Reasonable
Grantchester Road, Coton (YouTube) A narrow road west of Cambridge. Goes through areas West (Open KML), (Download KML);
| This road is one of the better ones to the west of Cambridge, although still can be a bit scary. In the village section at the start, ride in a wide secondary position so you cna see further ahead round the corners with hedges. Be aware of people driving from behind to adjust this, although don't pull in very much further as the road edge is quite lumpy and the hedges leave you nowhere to go in that direction. Along the straighter section, the road surface is quite bad just at the normal secondary position. I tend to ride outside of it as there is very little space inside that line. Again, be aware of people driving from behind. This is quite a quick section until the slight rise just before the corner. Thankfully the straight section will mean that people dirving will geta good view of you from a long distance before this corner and should make adjustments. It is quite a blind corner. Over the motorway bridge means you will have trouble hearing people driving behind you, thanks to the noise of the motorway traffic. Again, more need to be aware in other ways. Coming down the bridge ramp, be aware of the motorway exit road to your left. I've had to pull out to the right with drivers pulling on without giving enough space (as nearly happens here). Take care to measure you entry onto the roundabout, matching speed with anything you can see coming round it. That way you'll retain speed through it if crossing. Take great care turning left or right onto the cyclepath as they are sharp uneven turns. | Starts on Grantchester Road, Coton; |
Reasonable
Grantchester Road, Coton (West) (YouTube) A reasonable route from Coton, most drivers give plenty of space here. Goes through areas West (Open KML), (Download KML);
| Reduced Description. See primary, secondary. Not as bad a rat run as the other side of the roundabout, possibly as it's narrower or just less traffic trying to get somewhere as quickly as the speed limit will allow. Be aware of the limited visibility around the big hedges and stay out in primary to highlight that. | Starts on Grantchester Road, Coton; Brook Lane, Coton; at 01:04; |
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Grantchester to Barton via Bridleway (YouTube) A helpful link between villages to the west of Cambridge. Summer only. Goes through areas West (Open KML), (Download KML);
| A useful link between these two villages, although probably best done in drier times. This starts in the centre of Granchester showing a lot of parked cars, quite a few illegally. Remember to ride outside of the door zone when passing. It's worthwhile ensuring you are out in the road in plenty of time just to forewarn cars that might try to pass without thinking about it. The first part of the turn off up The Bridle Way is a quiet residential road. Virtually no traffic but still be aware some might pull out from side accesses. This clip was done a day after some heavy rain, so the bit on the gravel track was quite wet. In summer and when it's been a little while since rain, this track is fine. At the motorway bridge, the concrete surface has been covered in mud by farm vehicles. Again, this isn't necessarily normal. Finally the path to the trees is again reasonably good, although do look out for horses here. Always give them a wide berth, slow down, and make sure the rider knows you are there. Don't make any sudden noises or movements, take it carefully and calmly. At the woods, there's a separate path for horses, which I would avoid. Again, take it carefully down this section as there's slightly limited sight lines. The exit onto the road has plenty of space to assess traffic before crossing. Remember to cross carefully onto the right side of the road before making any manoeuvres onwards. I tend to use the cyclepath here. It's wide and nicer than mixing with traffic. Well before the end of the cyclepath, check the road behind for traffic so that once you can see it clear ahead, you can make the crossing back to the left side of the road quickly. In the village pass the school wide, just in case of running children. | Starts on The Bridleway, Grantchester; |
Reasonable
Grantchester to Haslingfield Bridleway (YouTube) A helpful link between villages to the west of Cambridge. Summer only. Goes through areas West (Open KML), (Download KML);
| A useful link between these two villages, although probably best done in drier times. This starts at the motorway bridge where the concrete surface has been covered in mud by farm vehicles. Again, this isn't necessarily normal. The track to the left is again reasonably good, although do look out for horses here. Always give them a wide berth, slow down, and make sure the rider knows you are there. Don't make any sudden noises or movements, take it carefully and calmly. The right turn away from the motorway is not to easily missed, just have your eyes open. The surface is quite rough and not helped by horse trampling. This is highlighted when trying to get into the woods. Once on the path the surface hardens down to the stream bridge. The track can be rough and muddy. It's just a question of picking the line for the recent weather. Either use the hard going but non-slippy grass, or if dry stick in the shallow ruts with smooth rolling, or a mixture of the two. The hardcore farm track is a relief and speeds can go up again. Look out for the gap in the gate to the public road. Take care of animals along here. The road is narrow but with virtually no traffic. | Starts on The Bridleway, Grantchester; Cantelupe Bridleway, Haslingfield; at 00:04; |
Reasonable
Green Dragon Bridge, Ferry Lane, Green End Road (YouTube) A reasonable link over the river in east Cambridge. Goes through areas EastCity (Open KML), (Download KML);
| From Stourbridge Common ensure you slow down for the Green Dragon bridge. Again it's narrow here and you must take care of people walking. Do note that the "Cyclists Dismount" sign is advisory only, there's no need to do so other that taking care of people walking. Take care exiting the bridge as it has limited sight lines and there are people walking, driving, and cycling. Turning left up Ferry Lane is the quickest way onto the main road ahead. Take care of parked cars and remember to ride outside the door zone. Green End Road has similar amounts of parked cars although the traffic seems slower and thus better through this shopping area. | Starts on Green Dragon Bridge; Ferry Lane; at 00:14; Green End Road; at 00:30; |
Friendly
Green Dragon Bridge, Stourbridge Common, Riverside (YouTube) A quiet link across and along the river in east Cambridge. Goes through areas EastCity (Open KML), (Download KML);
| From Ferry Lane ensure you slow down for the Green Dragon bridge. Again it's narrow here and you must take care of people walking. Do note that the "Cyclists Dismount" sign is advisory only, there's no need to do so other that taking care of people walking. Take care exiting the bridge as it has limited sight lines and there are people walking and cycling through a quite busy little junction. This goes for going along the river on Stourbridge Common as well. This is a busy area with lots of people walking and riding from all directions. Exiting the common onto Riverside is also narrow and busy, so slow to avoid collisions. Once into the roadspace itself, this in one of hte more pleasant road environments. Low traffic along with a wide space often taken up just by people walking and riding means this is a naturally traffic-calmed area. Take care of parked cars and remember to ride outside the door zone. Also look for side egresses and the odd person driving. Towards the end, the road markings swing the route to the left. Take care when going straight on, despite the give-way markings on the left side road. At the end there's two exits to enable turning left up Abbey Street (and routes through Petersfield), or going straight on towards the centre. Take care as both could be used by people walking, although the design does led them away from these places. | Starts on Green Dragon Bridge; Stourbridge Common; at 00:16; Riverside; at 00:29; |
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Green Dragon Bridge, Water Street, Water Lane, Green End Road, Ashfield Road, Warren Road, Fraser Road (YouTube) A quiet link (bar Green End Road) from the river through Kings Hedges. Goes through areas NorthCity (Open KML), (Download KML); EastCity (Open KML), (Download KML);
| Reduced Description. See walkers, door zone, primary, shared-use path, dismount. Take great care of people on the bridge, although note that you don't have to get off. Then take care of parked cars and people setting off in cars through the residential area. | Starts on Green Dragon Bridge; Water Street; at 00:19; Water Lane; at 00:27; Green End Road; at 00:32; Ashfield Road; at 00:43; Warren Road; at 00:58; Chesterfield Road; at 01:06; Fraser Road; at 01:09; Milton Road; at 01:13; |
More links: Door Zone, Cyclists Dismount Sign, Primary Position, Path, Shared-Use Path, People Walking, Main Post
Hostile
Green End Road (YouTube) This shows the hostile roadspace here. Goes through areas EastCity (Open KML), (Download KML);
| Green End Road is a main route through the north of town. It's wide but also does have people driving too fast. The road is just the wrong width really. It encourages people driving to overtake with oncoming traffic but yet this is still not enough space as required in Highway Code rule 163. Unfortunately, even taking the primary position will get bad overtaking attempts in some parts. You really have to be on your toes swapping between primary and secondary depending on the exact conditions, remembering to have plenty of space before moving into the primary. Then, on several stretches there are parked cars in the road and in laybys. Remember to ride outside of the door zone. This shows a classic example of a MGIF (must get in front) where someone driving squeezes past dangerously close at a road restriction (pinch point designed to slow motor traffic down), simply to get to the roundabout a second earlier than they would. I should have taken the primary position around 50 yards before the pinch point. This would mean that a car doing 30mph would be around 50 yards behind me as well (or about twice the stopping distance for a car at that speed). At the end, the traffic lights take a very long time to go through all phases. Essentially this route is worth avoiding if possible. | Starts on Green End Road; |
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Guided Busway Cyclepath and back of Hauxton Road (YouTube) This is a quiet way along the cyclepath and a quiet route towards central Trumpington. Goes through areas SouthCity (Open KML), (Download KML);
| This is a quiet way along the cyclepath and a quiet route towards central Trumpington. It's a duplicate of the 'South Cambridge Guided Busway Cyclepath' route. It's probably not quite as useful as the routes through Foster Way. This starts where the Addenbrookes Guided Busway Spur joins the main route. The cyclepath is wide with a good surface although can retain puddles after rain. You can find all sorts on the path from people on horses to skateboarders and people walking. So take care especially at night when there's limited vision with no 'streetlighting'. Even good bike lights won't show up people until you are on them. At the end the route takes a wide bend around a sharp slope. I'd think this is quite hard with weight so be prepared to get off or drop down the gears. Access onto the road is awkward, so remember to look behind you for traffic along the side road. Note the number of bikes chained here suggesting that the bike parking is quite limited. Turning back along the side access road takes you towards Trumpington centre. Then, crossing a side access to a new housing development comes up with a ridiculous cycle crossing. This is usually designed to make it "safe for cyclists" but it's nothing less than trying to excuse people driving not looking carefully enough. It firmly puts the priority on driving over sustainable transport, something that should be a major embarrassment to the designers. Still the lights are not cycle-one mandatory, so you can cross on red. At the end, the shared-use path crosses the supermarket entrance and continues into the centre of Trumpington. | Starts on South Cambridge Guided Busway; Hauxton Access Road; at 00:40; |
Friendly
Guided Busway onto Northfields Avenue (YouTube) A quiet link getting from the Guided Busway onto the city road network. Goes through areas NorthCity (Open KML), (Download KML);
| The Guided Busway isa very pleasant way to get to the city from the north-west. Here's the slightly confusing link to get you into the urban road network. It requires crossing 3 routes within a few hundred yards which isn't ideal and probably will change naturally when people just create a path from the other bus stop. First, you must turn before the side busway. This isn't a natural turn as you end up on the 'wrong' side of the road. Then wiggle round the bus-stop (for going the other way) and to the second unnecessary crossing on the side busway. Take great care when crossing the busway, the vehicles are very quiet and can be moving quite quickly along the straight section. Then wiggle through the connecting path to the Kings Hedges Road crossing. This is not a cycle-only crossing so it's not mandatory and you can cross on red. people do drive at speed along here as it feels isolated from the local urban environment, so take great care when crossing this road. From the other side of the crossing there's a link to take you onto Northfields Avenue. Take care when pulling out into the roadspace, the sightlines are not good and there is no protected exit. Now, quite why the first busway crossing is not after the junction thus removing the need for the second crossing is beyond me. Indeed, there is a crossing there, it's just the path is not extended past the opposite bus stop like it is on the current side. A mud path will start to appear as people just walk across the grass anyway. | Starts on North Guided Busway; Northfields Avenue; at 00:30; |
Friendly
Guided Busway Path From Paget Road (YouTube) A short link from the back of Trumpington to the Guided Busway. Goes through areas SouthCity (Open KML), (Download KML);
| A short link from the back of Trumpington to the Guided Busway. This route is muddy, wet, but solid underneath. It's probably better to use the other exit from this estate slightly further south as it is tarmaced. In wetter times there are plenty of puddles which do go across the full width of this path. This might get redeveloped as part of the area science development, so will change a lot in the coming years. One interesting thing is the horse on the Guided Busway Cycleway at the end. Makes you realise what might be on it! | Starts on South Cambridge Guided Busway; |
Reasonable
Gunhild Path, Gunhild Way, Gunhild Close, Godwin Path, Godwin Close, Godwin Way (YouTube) This is a useful route through south-east Cambridge from Cherry Hinton towards Queen Ediths. Goes through areas EastCity (Open KML), (Download KML);
| This is a useful route through south-east Cambridge from Cherry Hinton towards Queen Ediths. The crossing next to Cherry Hinton Hall allows access to a quiet shared-use path link into the nearby residential roads. Separate tracks for people cycling and walking was installed here decades ago by the look of the infra, how un-novel! Sadly there's nothing novel about the gated restriction to what is also a restricted driveway. I suspect this is set due to nearby school. Not really teaching kids about traffic properly though. Once out into the residential roads, it's quiet. The roads are a bit narrow and do have plenty of parked cars on and nearby the road, remember to ride outside the door zone. Take care of cars approaching from side roads, like the van here. I take a left turn down Gunhild Close to find the shared-use path at the end. It's hidden between two parked cars. Nearby the playground be aware that small children may be running around, take special care of them. At any corners on this path, go very slow as they are poorly sighted. At the end of the route, there's a right then left to another shared-use path cut though onwards. There are slightly better routes through here. | Starts on Gunhild Path; Gunhild Way; at 00:19; Gunhild Close; at 00:32; Godwin Path; at 00:39; Godwin Close; at 00:50; Godwin Way; at 00:53; |
Reasonable
Gunhild Path, Gunhild Way, Wulfstan Road, Wulfstan Path, Hulatt Road (YouTube) This is a useful route through south-east Cambridge from Cherry Hinton towards Queen Ediths. Goes through areas EastCity (Open KML), (Download KML);
| This is a useful route through south-east Cambridge from Cherry Hinton towards Queen Ediths. The crossing next to Cherry Hinton Hall allows access to a quiet shared-use path link into the nearby residential roads. Separate tracks for people cycling and walking was installed here decades ago by the look of the infra, how un-novel! Sadly there's nothing novel about the gated restriction to what is also a restricted driveway. I suspect this is set due to nearby school. Not really teaching kids about traffic properly though. Once out into the residential roads, it's quiet. The roads are a bit narrow and do have plenty of parked cars on and nearby the road, remember to ride outside the door zone. Take care of cars approaching from side roads, like the van here. I take a left turn at the end onto Wulfstan Way and, once round the semi-circle turn right into a shared-use path cut though. On this path, go very slow as they are poorly sighted. Then it's left and right to get up to Mowbray Road. | Starts on Gunhild Path; Gunhild Way; at 00:19; Wulfstan Road; at 00:42; Wulfstan Path; at 00:50; Hulatt Road; at 00:57; |
Reasonable
Gunhild Way Path, Tillyard Way, Spalding Way (YouTube) A reasonable and useful link through south east Cambridge. Goes through areas EastCity (Open KML), (Download KML);
| Reduced Description. See walkers, door zone, primary, secondary, cyclepath. A interesting old style segregation, not sure if it passes muster now espeically with the silly restrictions stopping cargo/kids bikes using it. | Starts on Gunhild Way Path; Gunhild Way; at 00:17; Tillyard Way; at 00:21; Spalding Way; at 00:34; |
More links: Door Zone, Primary Position, Secondary Position, Cyclepath, Path, People Walking, Main Post
Friendly
Gwydir Street, St Matthews Street (YouTube) A useful quiet link going north in Petersfield towards the Grafton shopping centre. Goes through areas EastCity (Open KML), (Download KML);
| A useful quiet link in east central Cambridge. A lot of parked cars, so remember to ride outside the door zone. There's probably going to be little to no traffic here, and anything around is likely to be going around the same speed as you (or at least should be!). Be aware that people walking can be in the road (which shows how calm it is!), so take of them. Do let them know you are there by bell ringing or, as I prefer, brake flicking. Make sure you take the left turn after the restricted access barriers. The road onwards has limited use. Then, turning right into St Matthews Street take you right up to the Grafton Centre, and links to the north of it. | Starts on Gwydir Street; St Matthews Street; at 00:22; |
Friendly
Gwydir Street, Sturton Street, New Street (YouTube) A useful quiet link going north in Petersfield towards the Newmarket Road Retail Park. Goes through areas EastCity (Open KML), (Download KML);
| A useful quiet link in east central Cambridge. A lot of parked cars, so remember to ride outside the door zone. There's probably going to be little to no traffic here, and anything around is likely to be going around the same speed as you (or at least should be!). Be aware that people walking can be in the road (which shows how calm it is!), so take of them. Do let them know you are there by bell ringing or, as I prefer, brake flicking. Turning right at the first opportunity leads up to the restricted access into Sturton Street which takes you almost all the way to Newmarket Road. To avoid that busy road, use New Street with it's helpful counter flow cycling access. Routes onwards can be through the safer retail park. | Starts on Hooper Street; Sturton Street; at 00:09; New Street; at 00:37; |
Friendly
Hardwick Port Way (east) (YouTube) A rough route from Hardwick towards Coton. Goes through areas West (Open KML), (Download KML);
| Reduced Description. See walkers, shared-use path. A great green route some of the way between two villages. A rough track but with great views at towads the end. Passable for most of the year. The very last section just before the road is permissive and was built by a local farmer after the death of a horse struck by a car on the parallel road. | Starts on Port Way, Hardwick; |
Reasonable
Harlton to Haslingfield (YouTube) This is a country road route. Goes through areas West (Open KML), (Download KML);
| This is a country road route. It can be quiet but traffic can be bad at passing and doing at speed. Riding on roads like this means being seen as soon as possible and ensuring the widest pass you can at the slowest speed possible. Many people do not realise that when driving a car at speed (even legal), how disruptive and violent their movement can be. You need to be seen with plenty of time to react and guide passes wide and preferably slowed. I adopt a wide secondary position. I listen carefully for traffic behind and assess oncoming traffic all the time. If I feel both are going to meet I pull out into the primary position well before the event, leaving plenty of time for traffic behind to slow. When traffic is ready and free to pass I pull well in, giving plenty of room for them to pass. Through Harlton look out for parked cars on either side and consider both avoiding the door zone and having vehicles pass too close because of opposite vehicles. Between the villages, make sure you are in a wide secondary position (and preferably not wearing 'plant green'). Turn right at Haslingfield to get the best route through. Alternatively, go left then quickly right to find a short offroad route through the village. After rounding the church and running down the main High Street, turn left into Fountain Road to cut through to Cantelupe Road. | Starts on High Street, Harlton; Haslingfield Road, Harlton; at 00:13; Harlton Road, Haslingfield; at 00:30; Church Street, Haslingfield; at 00:49; High Street, Haslingfield; at 01:02; Fountain Lane, Haslingfield; at 01:16; Cantelupe Road, Haslingfield; at 01:22; |
Reasonable
Haslingfield to Hauxton Bridleway (YouTube) A helpful link between villages to the south-west of Cambridge. Summer only. Goes through areas South (Open KML), (Download KML);
| A useful link between these two villages. Probably better done in drier times. There are two ways to get onto this from Haslingfield, this is the one from the very eastern side of the village, there's another entrance from nearer the centre. The first part so a well drained gravel track. There can be the odd car here, but mostly just parked. The path narrows as it heads to the banks of the Rhee. This is beautiful in summer. Take care whilst crossing the river bridge. It's narrow and can be in use by people having fun at the river. The gravel path leads to the village ward boundary. It then sadly gets a little muddier, although is fine in the dry. It's quite wide enough to share with people walking. Nearing the farm at the other end leads to more mud by farm traffic. Again, this is unusual, especially in warmer times. Once past the bad section the track quickly dries out. At the road at the end, the pavements are shared-use so can be used to plan moving across the road on towards Hauxton. | Starts on River Bridleway, Haslingfield; |
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Hauxton Access Road onto South Cambridge Guided Busway Cyclepath (YouTube) This is a quiet route from central Trumpington and a quiet way along the cyclepath. Goes through areas SouthCity (Open KML), (Download KML); South (Open KML), (Download KML);
| This is a quiet route from central Trumpington and a quiet way along the cyclepath. At the start, the shared-use path crosses the supermarket entrance and continues out of town. There's an alternative quiet road just to the right of here. Then, crossing a side access to a new housing development comes up with a ridiculous cycle crossing. This is usually designed to make it "safe for cyclists" but it's nothing less than trying to excuse people driving not looking carefully enough. It firmly puts the priority on driving over sustainable transport, something that should be a major embarrassment to the designers. Still the lights are not cycle-one mandatory, so you can cross on red. The side road goes towards the Park and Ride. Access onto the cyclepath is an awkward turn, so remember to look behind you for traffic along the side road before pulling out. Note the number of bikes chained here suggesting that the bike parking is quite limited. The slope down is twisting, steep, and with poor sightlines, so go slowly. The cyclepath is wide with a good surface although can retain puddles after rain. You can find all sorts on the path from people on horses to skateboarders and people walking. So take care especially at night when there's limited vision with no 'streetlighting'. Even good bike lights won't show up people until you are on them. This ends where the Addenbrookes Guided Busway Spur joins the main route. | Starts on Hauxton Road; Hauxton Access Road; at 00:16; South Cambridge Guided Busway Cyclepath; at 00:32; |
Reasonable
Hauxton Road and Bishops Road (YouTube) A reasonable off-road route in the south of town. Goes through areas SouthCity (Open KML), (Download KML); South (Open KML), (Download KML);
| Reduced Description. See walkers, door zone, shared-use path. The No Entry sign at the beginning is a historical hangover from when this was just a slip lane from the main road. Now the route goes a lot further it no longer applies (and there's no such thing as a one-way cyclepath in law, as far as I can find). This route turns into the new developments as well as older residential roads. Sadly, they've stuck with 1980s style restrictions (which actually completely block the cyclelane) rather than working out something more appropriate to the current day. On Bishops Road look out for parked cars. | Starts on Hauxton Road; Bishops Road Path; at 00:31; Bishops Road; at 00:38; |
Hostile
Hauxton Road and Cambridge Road, Harston (YouTube) This is a v poor unsafe cyclepath although safer than the roadspace. Goes through areas South (Open KML), (Download KML);
| Reduced Description. See walkers, shared-use path, cyclepath. Although away fro the traffic, this is still awful. Regularly overgrown in summer, no dropped kerbs, side accesses lack of priority. Luckily there are plans to take this route a long way from here. | Starts on Hauxton Road; Cambridge Road, Harston; at 00:30; |
Reasonable
Hauxton Road onto Guided Busway (North) (YouTube) A slightly awkward route to get to the guided busway from south west of town. Goes through areas SouthCity (Open KML), (Download KML); South (Open KML), (Download KML);
| Reduced Description. See walkers, shared-use path. The shared-use path helps keep you out of traffic until the Park and Ride. Take care when joining the road from the path. The guided busway path has a great smooth surface and is wide enough for both people walking and riding (and doo look out for people on horses!). | Starts on Hauxton Road; Hauxton Access Road; at 00:18; South Cambridge Guided Busway Cyclepath; at 00:30; |
Reasonable
Hauxton Road towards The Guided Busway (YouTube) A reasonable off-road route to the guided busway. Goes through areas SouthCity (Open KML), (Download KML); South (Open KML), (Download KML);
| Reduced Description. See walkers, door zone, shared-use path. The No Entry sign at the beginning is a historical hangover from when this was just a slip lane from the main road. Now the route goes a lot further it no longer applies (and there's no such thing as a one-way cyclepath in law, as far as I can find). Crossing the road using the lights can take time and it's awkward with the staggering. Take care pulling out onto the road. | Starts on Hauxton Road; Hauxton Access Road; at 00:34; |
Reasonable
Hauxton Road towards The Guided Busway (Quick) (YouTube) A reasonable off-road route to the guided busway. Goes through areas SouthCity (Open KML), (Download KML); South (Open KML), (Download KML);
| Reduced Description. See walkers, door zone, shared-use path. The No Entry sign at the beginning is a historical hangover from when this was just a slip lane from the main road. Now the route goes a lot further it no longer applies (and there's no such thing as a one-way cyclepath in law, as far as I can find). Crossing the road using the lights can take time and it's awkward with the staggering. Take great care pulling out onto the road from the cyclepath as you need to assess 4 lanes of traffic, 1 behind you. If the 1 behind is still moving, you can stop next to the traffic. | Starts on Hauxton Road; Hauxton Access Road; at 00:23; |
Friendly
Herschel Road, Sylvester Road, West Cambridge Cyclepath, Clerk Maxwell Road (YouTube) A useful quiet link through west Cambridge. Goes through areas WestCity (Open KML), (Download KML);
| The first part is a useful way to get round the Grange Road lights and blockages in front of Robinson College, although can be leafy in autumn and winter. Herschel Road, Sylvester Road, and Adams Road have a lot of parked cars, so remember to ride outside the door zone. Notice the end of 20mph limit signs. This to me is utterly balmy. The only way to get to and from this road is to come along Grange Road. Why isn't the whole area made a 20mph limit? It's all residential and why the additional expense of stopping and starting the limit inside that zone? The reason is probably buried in the troubled and awkward manner we manage our road system legislation. At Adams Road take care when pulling out. The parked cars mean that there are poor sightlines for people cycling and driving. Getting onto the West Cambridge Cyclepath is awkward to spare the blushes of inattentive people driving. You should be able to get a good look down the path before making the left-right-left manoeuvre to check what's happening. Once onto the route it's great to have the separation between walking and riding space clearly defined and it works much better than a painted line. However, do take care of people walking and give them space. There's always the chance people will change direction in front of you, so ride to avoid any collisions. Also note that maintenance vehicles can be along here, albeit rarely. And take more care around the egresses to the route, people can come around the corners quickly. The limited sightlines whilst turning into Clerk Maxwell Road means a slower speed than previously. And again, parked cars require the door zone warning. I do show pulling someone driving through in this limited space. At the end I cross to the Madingley Road cyclepath along the northside and a through-route to Huntingdon Road. | Starts on Herschel Road; Sylvester Road; at 00:12; Adams Road; at 00:23; West Cambridge Cyclepath; at 00:30; Clerk Maxwell Road; at 00:47; |
Reasonable
High Access Road, Charles Babbage Road, JJ Thompson Avenue (YouTube) A reasonable route round west Cambridge. Goes through areas WestCity (Open KML), (Download KML);
| This clip is really a view on some of the roads here, rather than a route. High Access Road has a "Private Road" sign, although seems to be used by everyone including public transport (and a pretty impatient person driving). One day this will be surrounded by buildings, probably quite soon! At Charles Babbage Road, the buildings and developments start. The road seems to be a duplicate and may end up moving to just one after the developments finished. Until then, look out for the right and left turn to keep on route. Towards the end of this road, the developments are well used already. Just as the buildings begin on the left, there's a route through to the right and to the West Cambridge Cyclepath. Note the layby parking does get parked cars off the road, but still remember to ride outside of the door zone. At the corner (with JJ Thompson Avenue), there's a pavement area to the right. This is a link through the buildings to the West Cambridge Cyclepath again. Although there's no "No Cycling" signs and some cycle parking, I suspect that pushing the bike is expected to go through. On JJ Thompson Avenue I get another poor overtake. At the end I cross to the Madingley Road cyclepath along the northside and a through-route to Huntingdon Road. This clip has been rated as "reasonable", mainly as there's littlr traffic. But as this gets more used as the development progresses, I suspect this will become a fairly hostile space for cycling. With the space available and currently already dedicated to motor traffic this is a terrible indictment on a new development and a massive failure for any of those controlling this kind of thing. This kind of thing is surely completely unacceptable in such a place where there is going to be a high level of cycling. | Starts on High Cross Access; Charles Babbage Road; at 00:14; JJ Thompson Avenue; at 00:38; |
Reasonable
High St, Cambridge Road, Milton (YouTube) A slightly awkward road in Milton with varying levels of cycle facility. Goes through areas North (Open KML), (Download KML);
| Reduced Description. See walkers, door zone, shared-use path. Look out at beginning, turning into cyclelane might not be safe from motor vehicle intrusion with the corner. | Starts on High Street, Milton; Cambridge Road, Milton; at 00:14; |
Reasonable
High Street, Fulbourn Road, Teversham Road (YouTube) From Teversham to Fulbourn along a quiet road. Goes through areas East (Open KML), (Download KML);
| From Teversham to Fulbourn along a quiet road. In Teversham, and through the clip, there are a few parked cars. Remember to ride outside of the door zone, maybe a bit better than I did. There are a few traffic restrictions to slow motor traffic. Remember to give way appropriately and watch for oncoming people driving who may not see you when they should be giving way. Once out of the village, make sure you ride in secondary position about a metre away from the verge, it can be a little rough at the side and you can be seen a lot easier. Coming into Fulbourn, take care crossing the railway. Make sure you have the rails at right angles when you go over them. | Starts on High Street, Teversham; Fulbourn Road, Teversham; at 00:26; Teversham Road, Fulbourn; at 00:42; |
Hostile
High Street, Grantchester to High Street, Trumpington (YouTube) A narrow road south west of Cambridge. Goes through areas SouthCity (Open KML), (Download KML); South (Open KML), (Download KML);
| This road can be quiet, but can also be spoilt in a number of places by some poor driving habits. After the church, Mill Lane twists back and forth a number of times. Because of this the average speed somone driving down here to the river is around 20mph. That's a bit slower than I do it. However, on the short straight sections I still get people driving trying to pass despite the fact that the manoeuvre is only going to gain them a few dozen yards at most. In summer, when there's quite a lot of parking down here, people driving are a lot slower and cause more blockages due to the size of their car. So, I take the primary position from some distance before and through all corners. Only if there's no parking on the long second section will I pull over to let people driving pass. On all other instances it's simply not worth it for me or the person driving. If there is parking , you need to take special care of oncoming traffic. Sometimes it's very difficult to hold back going into the door zone, but this must be seen as risky and only to be done if you are absolutely sure. One of the issues of having someone driving behind you maybe their impatience when you both get to the river bridge, as in this case. You notice the person driving behind me could not see the oncoming car when trying their overtaking manoeuvre and nearly causes a collision. Bear this in mind and have an escape route planned if they pull in too quickly. The flat section is nice and wide so usually is fine. However, at the turn up the incline afterwards, people can again come round the corner without thinking that there might be oncoming traffic, so often come in far too close if trying to pass. Again, using the primary position well before the corner can help stop this, although you will need to pull in quite quickly afterwards to avoid being taken out by someone driving to fast without knowing what's round the corner. Around the winding section near Trumpington church also can be a bit awkward although most people driving do hang back rather than try to pass without being able to see. I try to help as I'm often doing only 14-16mph. I'll look ahead and wave people on if I can see it is completely clear. Often this means good driving habits come to the fore and people move to pass but only do so when they can see it's clear. Maris Lane is actually two-way, apart from the very end section for people driving. Ride out of the door zone as much as possible, although be aware that oncoming traffic may not realise why you need that space. At the end, there's either the left turn to go back into town or a right crossing to the High Street crossing to go right. This side of the road out of town is a cyclepath as well. | Starts on High Street, Granchester; Mill Way, Granchester; at 00:15; Grantchester Road, Trumpington; at 00:32; Church Lane, Trumpington; at 01:01; Maris Lane; at 01:08; |
Reasonable
High Street, Station Road, Cambridge Road, Bridge Road, Histon (YouTube) A reasonable route going out of Histon south. Goes through areas North (Open KML), (Download KML);
| Reduced Description. See door zone, primary, secondary. Less conflict with people driving, although still examples of being too close. A14 junction roundabout irritating lack of priority. | Starts on High Street, Histon; Station Road, Histon; at 00:06; Cambridge Road, Histon; at 00:55; Bridge Road, Histon; at 01:26; |
Friendly
High Street, Teversham Drift, Cherry Hinton (YouTube) A link through a local estate avoiding the unpleasant main road. Goes through areas EastCity (Open KML), (Download KML);
| Reduced Description. See walkers, door zone, shared-use path. A link to avoid the really unpleasant Cherry Hinton High Street. | Starts on High Street, Cherry Hinton; Teversham Drift, Cherry Hinton; at 00:19; Teversham Drift Path, Cherry Hinton; at 00:33; |
Reasonable
Hildersham (YouTube) A usually quiet village route. Goes through areas South (Open KML), (Download KML);
| Reduced Description. See door zone, primary. A very quick route doen into the village (always go at a speed you can see to stop in) and a slightly slower exit. | Starts on Beech Road, Hildersham; High Street, Hildersham; at 00:11; |
Friendly
Hildersham Path (YouTube) A rough path with a distinct slope. Goes through areas South (Open KML), (Download KML);
| Reduced Description. See walkers. Quick green route towards Hildersham from Worsted Street. People walking may not hear you until the last moment, so plan for that. | Starts on Hildersham Path; Hildersham Road, Hildersham ; at 01:04; |
Reasonable
Hills Road (South 2) (YouTube) A reasonable route out through south Cambridge. Goes through areas SouthCity (Open KML), (Download KML);
| Reduced Description. See filter, primary, secondary, cyclelane. Because the roadspace is wide this is a less hostile place than other places with cyclelanes. Look out on the bridge and especially with the multiple side roads. Drivers often pull beyond the stop line which can push riders out into the main road. | Starts on Hills Road; |
Reasonable
Hills Road (South) (YouTube) Hills Road has had quite a few cycle safety schemes put onto it. Goes through areas SouthCity (Open KML), (Download KML);
| Hills Road has had quite a few cycle safety schemes put onto it. It's okay, but nothing like as good as elsewhere in town, and well short of what could have been done (examples in Brighton). It is a nice wide cycle path, but I don't understand why it's not got any kerb as protection from the main road. And it's not long before there's a parked van in it. always check well before you pass this illegally positioned vehicle and try to match the speed of traffic if you can. If not, for you safety wait. It's not ideal and infuriating based on someone else illegal behaviour but it will keep you safe. Notice also a bit later the bus pulling into the cyclelane, again illegally. Again, hang back rather than risking being flattened. It won't be for too long. It's clear that the bus driver wasn't passing a right turning vehicle just wanted to stop me coming past before the Station Road turning. Notice that I catch up quite easily, so I didn't really lose anything out of this. At Station Road, I tend to occupy the middle of the ASL. I'm quite quick off the lights and will easily make the other side cyclelane before cars do. If you not as quick, it's worth taking this junction wide left to allow cars through and give yourself plenty of space to them. Luckily, now the War Memorial has been moved, this junction can be redesigned for better through routes for both people driving and cycling (and hopefully walking!). Up towards the railway bridge, the cyclepath peters out for poor reasons. There is space here to continue it, with some small alterations to the junction. In busy times, people driving come into the cyclelane illegally quite regularly, so don't think it's a safe area, treat the area of it as not having a cyclelane. | Starts on Hills Road; |
Hostile
Hills Road Bridge and Cherry Hinton Road (YouTube) Hills Road Bridge has had quite a few cycle safety schemes put onto it, Cherry Hinton Road should be avoided. Goes through areas SouthCity (Open KML), (Download KML);
| Starting from Brookland Avenue, the cyclepath up the left goes all the way to the lights, so can be used to get into the ASL for turning right and avoiding traffic turning left. The bridge upslope has a wide cyclepath. This does enable two cyclists to pass within the lane, although I'd only ever do that if there's no motor traffic passing, and move out of the lane just in case of wobbles. The downslope is a bit more scary. If you're turning left you filter into a lane for both motors and bikes, and get some drivers trying to do silly, close, fast passes. If you're going straight on, left turning motors cross the cycle lane your are in, usually at speed. However, this is the best version that has come up in the limited roadspace available. Just to note that if this bridge was in Copenhagen, with over 5000 bike journeys over it every day it would qualify for a completely separate bridge. The first part of Cherry Hinton Road gives some idea of what is about to happen. Close parked cars, always ensure you're not riding in the door zone. Then, the parked cars on the other side force cars out into your side of the road. If in traffic here, you do get quite stuck as bigger vehicles cause jams trying to get past each other. Once on the slope down (when I pass another person cycling), some speed can be gained (if you are happy and willing to do it, of course). Note that the traffic lights are quite short, the complete green phase lasting only a few seconds. After the lights, the road has a large number of side road turnings and houses. Be aware of motors coming onto the road without properly looking. Look at the driver's head and eyes. If you choose, the left pavement is a shared-use path, which can help if you get traffic jams. The roundabout with unprotected (and mostly useless) cyclelanes needs a lot of care. People drive around it quickly and there is very limited sight lines. The protection for turning left is useful, but be aware that drivers coming into that road often clip the corner with the cyclelane. On the other side of the roundabout, the road narrows. Traffic is often stopped just on the exit due to the pedestrian crossing and a right turning. It may be worth using the shared-use path again, although there are still plenty of side turnings. The road being narrow means any traffic behind you can start to think about doing dangerous passes. Take the primary if you feel uncomfortable with a driver behind you, then get out of the way as quickly as possible to let them through. Although you'll probably catch them at the next lights it's better to have someone dangerous ahead of you than just behind you. Keep looking out for people driving into the road without properly looking, like at the garage. Without good brakes, I would have been asking for their insurance details (or obviously worse). When approaching the trafic lights at the end and going straight on, be aware some car drivers will try to speed up through either lane. Look carefully, choose your lane, then take the primary. | Starts on Brooklands Avenue; Hills Road; at 00:05; Cherry Hinton Road; at 00:19; |
More links: Door Zone, Filtering, Primary Position, Asl, Cyclelane, Cyclepath, Path, Shared-Use Path, Hills Road Brideg Cyclelanes
Reasonable
Hills Road from Granhams Road (YouTube) Hills Road has had quite a few cycle safety schemes put onto it. Goes through areas SouthCity (Open KML), (Download KML);
| The first part of the road has no offroad route on this side despite there being plenty of space. The Park and Ride carpark just up the road and there is an offroad route on the other side, but it has plenty of side accesses, prioritized side streets, and you have to cross back again soon. Vehicles do come fast down here, often breaking the 30mph speed limit. Ride well out so you can be seen and use the primary position if oncoming traffic and you feel threatened from behind. Notice I do it as I approach the lights. At the lights, the shared-use path starts on the left. Worth using even if I didn't this time. It helps all the way to the Addenbrookes roundabout when joining back with traffic can be done, carefully. The cyclelane paintwork has recently been redone. Prior to that, the corners on the exits of the roundabout were worn through. This is a good indication that people drive over them, so it's another one of those cases of treating the roadspace as if there is no cyclelane, it offers no protection. Again, the offroad cyclepath starts quite quickly. I'm very surprised that this wasn't continuous through the roundabout, there's plenty of space. However, at a guess it would drop the prioritization, so may be fairly useless as well. It's possible to go offroad all the way to the lights, turn up Long Road and cross it, then continue along Hills Road if traffic looks busy. Take care crossing the road and it still can be quicker and safer than waiting at the lights. The cyclelane into the right lane looks useful, but be aware of cars trying to charge up and past you into the left lane. Also, the tarmac has a very awkward sharp mount along the lane split that is bound to throw some people off. Interesting to note that the black car turning left, stops at the green light. Then, after I pass realises as shoots through the lights, just after they've changed back to red. The straight-on lights change just after the oncoming traffic turning right ~15-second phase ends. Don't pull over to the left too quickly as traffic turning left is next to you. Again, this dual option cyclelane and cyclepath gives the best for different levels of people cycling. This helps at pedestrian lights as well where you can come off the road if you are there, but always be wary of what people crossing the road might be doing. Just before the Cherry Hinton Road lights, the offroad path is pushed back out into a bus lane just before a bus-stop. There's a definite case for a "new style" cyclepath to the left of the pavement here, although there can be quite a lot of sixth form kids hanging around. Passing any buses here should be okay, especially if the junction lights are red, but do try to manage your move out in conjunction with the slowing traffic. The cyclelanes over the bridge are the latest in a series of experiments, and probably the best. If overtaking other people cycling on the upslope, check for traffic coming past you and pull well out. On the downslope take care of cars trying to cut back across you to turn left. At the lights, as I'm turning right, I pull over to the centre of the ASL. I don't want cars trying to squeeze through whilst I make my manoeuvre. | Starts on Hills Road; |
Friendly
Hills Road Offroad Cyclepath (YouTube) Hills Road has had quite a few cycle safety schemes put onto it. Goes through areas SouthCity (Open KML), (Download KML);
| This is a short link to get past traffic lights at busier times. The shared-use path starts just before the traffic lights at the end of Worts Causeway. When dipping into this path take care of any people walking here. Halfway along this path, there's a side road. This does have traffic along it, although it's infrequent. Take care as you cross that nothing is passing, and take care of people walking across the main road crossing. After this, the path gets a separating line. Be aware that people will still walk and ride all over the path and take care of them. At the second side access note that if a car comes, as in this case, the cycle-side is usefully placed at the right side. However, if no car comes try to be as far over to the right to see what might come out as soon as possible. Also note that people walking will also divert round the back of cars. At the end either follow the shared-use path into the hospital or exit at the bus entry road. Do this extremely carefully, looking for buses coming in and people driving into the hospital exit lane. | Starts on Hills Road; |
Reasonable
Hills Road, Luard Road, Sedley Taylor Road, Robinson Way (YouTube) A quiet link from the cyclespace on Hills Road . Goes through areas SouthCity (Open KML), (Download KML);
| Reduced Description. See door zone, primary, secondary. Taking a route off Hills Road leads to the other side of the hospital along a quiet route. Be awar that some people driving will speed here (as demonstrated). | Starts on Hills Road; Luard Road; at 00:21; Sedley Taylor Road; at 00:38; Long Road; at 00:54; Robinson Way; at 00:59; |
Reasonable
Hills Road, Worts Causeway (YouTube) A reasonable route exiting Cambridge to the south. Goes through areas SouthCity (Open KML), (Download KML);
| Reduced Description. See filter, primary, secondary, cyclepath, cyclelane. Because the roadspace is wide this is a less hostile place than other places with cyclelanes. Look out on the roundabout and side entrances. Drivers often clip the cyclelane on corners and pull beyond the stop line which can push riders out into the main road. | Starts on Hills Road; Worts Causeway; at 00:32; |
Mixed
Hinton Way, Orchard Road, Birch Trees Road, Addenbrookes Path Extension, Shelford (YouTube) Showing the slightly hostile main road space and the quiet link to the Addenbrookes Cyclepath. Goes through areas South (Open KML), (Download KML);
| Starting at the roundabout near Hills Road Park & Ride, this is an slightly unpleasant route into Shelford. Note that people driving tend to pass even round the blind corner exit of the roundabout. Take care to be seen as people will be driving quickly. The hill up alongside houses to the right can be a bit intimidating as people will pass without pulling out at all and at speed. This is one of those places where there is little you can do to mitigate this. Due to the width of the lane, even taking the primary position can leave a space that people driving think they can get through. In some respects this is a place to stay in the secondary position to retain some distance. However, it's still quite dangerous when passed at speed with oncoming traffic. At the top the road narrows past the woods. This means taking the primary can be effective, especially with the limited visibility of the road ahead. And on the downslope, you'll find a similar problem to the upslope. However, with increased speed comes a little less passing per volume of motor traffic. When starting into the village, there's lots of parked cars, so be careful to avoid riding in the door zone. And also be aware that some people driving will not take this into consideration and try to pass or drive towards you where there isn't enough space. Be prepared to stop. To get off this road as soon as possible, turn into Orchard Road to make you way through to the Addenbrookes cyclepath. Take the next left to get to the right access point. Again, lots of parked cars, so avoid the door zone. The Addenbrookes shared-use path was the 10,000 mile of Sustrans supported cycletrack. It's also supported by the local genome research projects. Hence it having the genetic code of BRCA2 painted on it, with 10,229 pairs. At the end of the first section, take care exiting and crossing the road as it's completely unsighted and cars are still going fast after coming down Granhams Lane hill. | Starts on Hinton Way, Shelford; Orchard Road, Shelford; at 00:45; Birch Trees Road, Shelford; at 00:52; Addenbrookes Path Extension, Shelford; at 01:00; |
More links: Door Zone, Primary Position, Secondary Position, Cyclepath, Path, Shared-Use Path, Main Post
Friendly
Howard Road Path, Ditton Meadows, Stourbridge Common (YouTube) A quiet traffic-free link through east Cambridge. Goes through areas EastCity (Open KML), (Download KML);
| From Ditton Walk there's a shared-use path that goes through to Howard Road. Not very far from the start of this (and easy to miss) is a left turn onto a path onto Ditton Meadows. Take both these paths carefully as there's not much space, especially if council workers park on it, and the sightlines round the corner are very poor. Once on Ditton Meadows, the shared-use path is reasonably wide, although could be wider, especially to accomodate parents of small children. You must always slow right down in these circumstances. Small children do make odd moves and often will not have seen you, sometimes along with their parents. Note that at every restricted section you should be prepared to stop quickly for others walking and riding in the other direction. At the end of Ditton Meadows, the path narrows and goes along a wooden bridge under the railway. This requires you to be going quite slowly, especially under the railway. The wood has got grips but there are not very effective and the corners are completely unsighted for oncoming people walking and riding. Crossing into Stourbridge Common will increase the number of people walking, especially near the riverboats. You may need to go slower to ensure everyone's safety. Stourbridge does have cows grazing. These are usually very docile and will move slowly out of the way if encouraged. The path is wide and well sighted. Do take care of dogs as despite the law, many owners do not stay in control of them when off the lead. | Starts on Howard Road Path; Ditton Meadows; at 00:12; Stourbridge Common; at 00:38; |
Reasonable
Huntingdon Road (North) (YouTube) This road isn't the nicest place to ride, but it is straight and wide with a wide cyclelane. Goes through areas NorthCity (Open KML), (Download KML);
| This road isn't the nicest place to ride, but it is straight and wide with a wide cyclelane. The cyclelane really ought to have a kerb protection from the main road for added peace of mind. A third of the way along it there is an illegally positioned van. Remember to ride outside of the door zone, and I pull into the primary position to do this, given the pinch point. This wasn't a problem to the car behind, they were anticipating it. At the end of the clip, I turn right. I cross the main road into the right turning lane, and take the primary position in the lane. No-one needs to go through this junction quicker. Of course, if you are not happy doing this, there is a crossing just ahead. | Starts on Huntingdon Road; |
Reasonable
Huntingdon Road (South) (YouTube) This road isn't the nicest place to ride, but it is straight and wide with a wide cyclelane. Goes through areas NorthCity (Open KML), (Download KML);
| I start from the side road. The exit cyclepath is meant to help, but I'm not sure about the deliberate twist at the end of it. I've not seen this anyway else, so why do it here. Clearly designed to make people cycling stop and look at what is coming. Not sure it does it any better than the normal give way signs do. This road isn't the nicest place to ride, but it is straight and wide with a wide cyclelane. The cyclelane really ought to have a kerb protection from the main road for added peace of mind. At the new junction traffic lights there's some better designed roadspace with wide cyclelanes for straight-on separated from left turning vehicles. Again, lack of kerb protection still, but it's better than many junctions. Nearer to town, there are parked cars on the left. Remember to avoid riding in the door zone. | Starts on Huntingdon Road; |
Friendly
James Street, Parsonage Street, Midsummer Common (YouTube) A useful quiet link from the Grafton centre to the river. Goes through areas CentreCity (Open KML), (Download KML);
| Reduced Description. See walkers, door zone, primary, shared-use path. A quiet route from the Grafton Centre towards the north and east of town. | Starts on James Street; Parsonage Street; at 00:14; Midsummer Common; at 00:26; |
Friendly
Jane Colston Bridge, Cowley Road, Milton Road (YouTube) A useful link through north east Cambridge. Goes through areas NorthCity (Open KML), (Download KML);
| Reduced Description. See walkers, door zone, shared-use path. Look out at beginning, the road to the left is unsighted. A great bridge, but after Cowley Road infrastructure poor as requires many stop/starts across side roads. | Starts on Jane Colston Bridge; Cowley Road; at 00:20; Milton Road; at 00:46; |
Friendly
Jesus Green by the River (YouTube) A quiet useful link through central Cambridge. Goes through areas CentreCity (Open KML), (Download KML);
| Reduced Description. See walkers, shared-use path | Starts on Jesus Green; Midsummer Common; at 00:44; |
Reasonable
Jesus Lane (West) (YouTube) This road isn't the nicest place to ride, but it is not as busy as other places. Goes through areas CentreCity (Open KML), (Download KML);
| Exiting Maids Causeway roundabout can be done through the left side parking bay. Remember to look as you exit as the road narrows (as well as the useless cyclelane ends). Traffic is unlikely to be going at any speed along here, although this is the route into the Park Street multi-storey carpark. | Starts on Jesus Lane; |
Reasonable
JJ Thompson Avenue, Charles Babbage Road, High Access Road (YouTube) A reasonable route round west Cambridge. Goes through areas WestCity (Open KML), (Download KML);
| This clip is really a view on some of the roads here, rather than a route. JJ Thompson Avenue is a wide roadspace with plenty of room either side. Why there is no space for any cycling infrastructure here is beyond me. It'll suit everyone, people walking, driving, and cycling. At the corner (with Charles Babbage Road), there's a pavement area to the right. This is a link through the buildings to the West Cambridge Cyclepath. Although there's no "No Cycling" signs and some cycle parking, I suspect that pushing the bike is expected to go through. It's probably better to wait until the first left turn after going round onto Charles Babbage Road, as the route is definitely blockage free. Note the layby parking disappears but remember to ride outside of the door zone in all cases. Eventually the buildings and developments stop. The road seems to be a duplicate and may end up moving to just one after the developments finished. Until then, look out for the right and left turn to keep on route. At the end of Charles Babbage Road, I turn right into High Cross Access Road. This is smaller but also has more parked cars. Finally, I cross into Madingley Road along a short access shared-use path. This clip has been rated as "reasonable", mainly as there's littlr traffic. But as this gets more used as the development progresses, I suspect this will become a fairly hostile space for cycling. With the space available and currently already dedicated to motor traffic this is a terrible indictment on a new development and a massive failure for any of those controlling this kind of thing. This kind of thing is surely completely unacceptable in such a place where there is going to be a high level of cycling. | Starts on JJ Thompson Avenue; Charles Babbage Road; at 00:13; High Cross Access; at 00:49; |
Hostile
King Hedges Road (YouTube) This shows the hostile roadspace here. Goes through areas NorthCity (Open KML), (Download KML);
| King Hedges Road is a fairly unpleasant space for people cycling. There was an attempt made, some years ago, to make it better. But like most older cycling onfrastructure builds it fails on so many levels because of the lack of desire to spend money to do it correctly. The wiggly route in and out of the roadspace has terrible sightlines, involves far too many sharp turns, takes people cycling back into the roadspace without protection, allows parking to get confused with the cyclelane, and often puts people riding in the door zone. The idea is to take people riding away from the nasty roadspace and to give them priority of sideroads is commendable but is so badly done that it makes it more dangerous to use this than not. The Dutch system would do several things differently. First, remove space from the roadspace. Leave just enough for cars by putting the kerb just to the right of the outside of the cyclelane/parking line. Also make this space wiggle rather than have a straight road. Second, move the car parking out to be next to this roadspace, enabling some of the wiggling. Third, put a straight cyclelane (separated from the pavement by kerbs), about a metre away from the car parking. Finally, across each side junction, raise the road up to cross the prioritised cyclepath. It should be about a car's length away from the main roadspace. I stick to the primary position along the road to avoid riding in the door zone. If the distance between parked cars is long and I know there's someone driving behind me, I pull in. Sadly, still someone driving passes me too close. It's a good example of a MGIF (must get in front), as they only had to wait a couple of seconds to have a clear passing spot with no oncoming traffic. As I get to the slight bend round to the left, I start to use the cyclelane as it's much more continuous. I do have to avoid some people walking dogs as they walk into the lane. Give dogs plenty of room, they can do odd things. As teh junction approaches, the cyclelane takes you up onto the pavement as a shared-use path. This is quite useful as it takes you through the traffic lights and into a quieter place, although that does result in losing priority further ahead. I turn out and across to the right turn lane. This takes you to the even quieter guided busway path. | Starts on King Hedges Road; |
More links: Door Zone, Primary Position, Cyclelane, Cyclepath, Path, Shared-Use Path, People Walking, Main Post
Reasonable
King Hedges Road onto Guided Busway (YouTube) A useful link getting onto the Guided Busway from a nasty roadspace. Goes through areas NorthCity (Open KML), (Download KML);
| This is a link from the unpleasant environment of King Hedges Road onto the much quieter Guided Busway path out to the north of Cambridge. This is not a usual route as it's from a place that really ought to be avoided. But just in case! Through the lights I hold the primary position before turning quickly onto the guided busway path. Take care entering the path, as the can be people walking and riding for the opposite direction. The guided busway path is a welcome relief fro the busy roadspace of Kings Hedges Road. | Starts on King Hedges Road; North Guided Busway; at 00:05; |
Reasonable
King Hedges Road onto Northfields Avenue (YouTube) A useful link avoiding hostile roadspace in north Cambridge. Goes through areas NorthCity (Open KML), (Download KML);
| Just before the junction crossing to the Regional College, the cyclelane comes up onto the pavement to create a shared-use cyclepath. This helps by getting you through the junction without stopping (although I do to check the bike!). However, then the space is narrow and shares with a bus stop, which shows why a lot of people cycling don't use this path. Steadily riding round the corner, taking care of people walking by giving them space, there's an unprotected (well some paint, no real protection) exit back onto the road. And a roadworks sign ahead, but no indication what it is. A little further on it becomes clear that the shared-use path is blocked. It would have been good to know that before the last exit to the roadspace. There's no provision for people cycling round these roadworks, just a slippery muddy path including a ramped cover with a sharp turn back to the path, clearly only thinking about people walking. Finally at Northfields Avenue, the shared-use path onwards along Kings Hedges Road has no priority across, another disincentive to use this path. I turn to the route into Northfields Avenue. Take care when pulling out into the roadspace, the sightlines are not good and there is no protected exit. | Starts on King Hedges Road; Northfields Avenue; at 00:40; |
Reasonable
King Street (YouTube) This road isn't the nicest place to ride, but it is pretty quiet. Goes through areas EastCity (Open KML), (Download KML);
| Getting into Kings Road can be easier done by getting into the share-use path at the roundabout. It can make it easier than trying to manoeuvre round vehicles in the entrance of Emmanuel Street. Once in Kinds Street, there are lots of parked cars, so remmber not to ride in the door zone. The road narrows, so this can be difficult with oncoming traffic that does not know why you are out from the cars. At the end, there's a useful little side entrance for people cycling into Hobson Street. | Starts on King Street; |
Hostile
King Street, Hobson Street, St Andrews Street (YouTube) When busy a very hostile environment despite traffic restrictions. Goes through areas CentreCity (Open KML), (Download KML); EastCity (Open KML), (Download KML);
| Reduced Description. See walkers, door zone, primary, shared-use path, filter. The entrance to the esat end of Kings Street is a bit awkward, but it can be entered from the pavement or on the Emmanuel Street exit. It's not obvious whether this route is two-way, but I think it is. Take care of parked cars on King Street and people walking at the entrance to Hobson Street, some may not realise where you are going. Hobson Street is very limited space wise, slow and wait as necessary. Look out for people crossing on St Andrews Street. | Starts on King Street; Hobson Street; at 00:28; St Andrews Street; at 00:53; |
More links: Door Zone, Filtering, Primary Position, Path, Shared-Use Path, People Walking, People Walking, Main Post
Reasonable
Kings Parade, Market Street, Sidney Street, Bridge Street (YouTube) The central area is thankfully free of traffic most of the day. Goes through areas CentreCity (Open KML), (Download KML);
| The central area is thankfully free of traffic most of the day. There are lots of people walking and riding here, so it's worth going very slow and being prepared to stop at anytime. The route is narrow and has plenty of side accesses to add to the flow. Kings Parade has added localised traffic. Usually people drive pretty slowly here as there are so many people riding and walking. It's probably what the concept of 'shared space' is meant to be about. But as it's a dead end and only used by a few vehicles, so I'm not sure it's a good way to judge the concept. Once in the pedestrianised area, go slow and be prepared to stop, especially where it narrows. The bends to the right and to the left can be very busy with people of all transport modes not looking. Mostly people walking are used to having people cycling here, but will change direction suddenly. Give them plenty of room. Also, be aware that some people think cycling against the one-way system is okay. Coming back out of the zone, be wary of vehicles coming round the corner from the right. | Starts on Kings Parade; Market Street; at 00:31; Sidney Street; at 00:49; Bridge Street; at 01:04; |
More links: People Walking, Additional Pedestrianised Riding Clip
Friendly
Kings Parade, Mill Lane, Coe Fen (YouTube) A quiet link out from central Cambridge. Goes through areas SouthCity (Open KML), (Download KML); CentreCity (Open KML), (Download KML);
| This is the alternate off-road route out of town to Trumpington Road, starting on Kings Parade. It's a little slower and further but more pleasant. Kings Parade has added localised traffic. Usually people drive pretty slowly here as there are so many people riding and walking. Some of the people using the Grand Arcade Car Park do use this route out, so it can have a few vehicles. Luckily not many. Take great care pulling into Trumpington Street and then right into Mill Lane as again it's very poor sightlines and there are usually a lot of people walking here. One or two stopped cars here can mean you will need to avoid riding in the door zone. Further down Mill Lane the corner has very poor sightlines so make sure you can stop quickly for people driving and walking. And on the lane from here, it's all pretty narrow so make sure you are going at the correct speed to stop quickly. Coming into the hotel carpark access, take care as drivers may not be thinking about other traffic here. Once onto the shared-use path, do take care of people walking giving them plenty of space and sound indicators if you are coming from behind them. Note that these lights are not cycle-only lights so are not mandatory and you can cross them on red. Be very careful doing this though as traffic comes over the river bridge at speed from not very far away. Take care of dogs particularly on this route, some owners don't quite understand the need to be in control at all times, on and off lead. Towards the end of this clip the owner doesn't even look up as I stop for their dog. At the end of this clip, there's shared-use paths across the lights onto Brooklands Avenue or up this side of Trumpington Road most of the way to Trumpington (irritatingly stopping a few hundred yards short). | Starts on Kings Parade; Trumpington Street; at 00:05; Mill Lane; at 00:08; Coe Fen; at 00:18; |
Friendly
Kingston Street, Hooper Street, Ainsworth Street, York Street, Abbey Street (YouTube) A quiet link through Petersfield towards the river. Goes through areas EastCity (Open KML), (Download KML);
| Reduced Description. See walkers, door zone, primary. Take care around parked cars and through the restricted gaps as they can often have people walking through them as well. At the end, take great care of the snack van whose customers can be across the route (can't see why this van is allowed here effectively blocking the route). | Starts on Kingston Street; Hooper Street; at 00:11; Ainsworth Street; at 00:18; York Street; at 00:29; Abbey Street; at 00:48; |
All Other Indexes
There are several index pages in two types for this group of pages and associated YouTube clips and KML files.
- The Streets Index pages, listing in street order with route clips with start times and local area KML files for use and download
A-C / D-K / L-R / S-Z - The Routes Index pages, listing in route order showing streets used with detailed description and local area KML files for use and download
A-C / D-K / L-R / S-Z
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