Councillors Throw Light On Cycle Path Safety Fears

A campaign has been launched calling for better lighting along a stretch of the guided busway cycle track in Cambridge after a spate of accidents.

Cyclists have been injured while riding on the cycleway and others, especially women and the elderly, fear for their personal safety on dark stretches of the cycle path.

Cambridge City Councillors, Amanda Taylor and Andy Blackhurst and Cambridgeshire County Councillor, Caroline Shepherd are calling for urgent action before anyone is seriously hurt.

They have launched a petition asking Cambridgeshire County Council to install lighting along the cycle path in Queen Edith’s and Trumpington.

Cllr Taylor, who represents Queen Edith’s said: “The cycleway is well-used and very much appreciated but the lack of lighting of most of the route poses a serious safety risk.

“We want to encourage cyclists to make use of the cycle path but at the same time, we have to make sure they are safe.”

Cllr Shepherd, who represents Trumpington said: “Residents are very worried by the lack of lighting. They don’t feel safe riding along there in the dark and there have been a number of accidents.

“Safety on the cycle path could be improved by separating cyclists and pedestrians and putting up signs but priority has to be given to the lighting.”

The petition can be found here: http://epetition.cambridgeshire.public-i.tv/epetition_core/community/petition/1772