£1m ‘cyclist-friendly’ roundabout to drive motorists round the bend

MOTORISTS and cyclists have grown used to fighting for road space in crowded city centres.

But in Cambridge two-wheeled travellers are gaining a clear advantage – a £1million roundabout that puts them first. Built to a Dutch design, and the first anywhere in Britain, it awards right of way to cyclists and pedestrians.

Drivers will have the lowest priority and must let everyone else pass.

Cyclists will have the protection of dedicated lanes while zebra crossings will run across each of the four entry/exit points used by vehicles. Motorists used social media yesterday to lambast the scheme. Paul Howell wrote: ‘Can’t wait for everyone (yes everyone) to get confused and the accidents to start happening. How about spending the money on road schemes that need it?’

Tony Stark said: ‘Putting pedestrian crossings on these in Cambridge is loading the bullet into a gun.

‘I hope when the accidents start building up the city council will be willing to pay out as ultimately it will be their fault.’

But Cambridgeshire County Council, which is responsible for highways, believe it will make the area around Fendon Road and Queen Edith’s Way much safer.

‘This project, which is a first not only for Cambridge but the UK, will improve the experience for everyone using the roundabout,’ said Ian Bates, a county councillor who heads the economy and environment committee.

‘Cyclists and pedestrians, as well as drivers, will now have the space they need to travel safely.’ Features introduced to slow traffic include a rough ‘overrun strip’ that reduces the road’s width.

A spokesman for action group Cam Cycle said: ‘The proposed design will improve access for both cyclists and pedestrians and give motorists better visibility, ensuring safer journeys for everyone.’

Rebecca Ashton, head of driver safety at charity IAM RoadSmart, accepted it could make walking or cycling in the area less hazardous. She said: ‘Having a Dutch- style roundabout which separates vehicles from vulnerable road users should be a win for road safety.’

One in four Cambridge residents cycle to work, the highest rate in the country. The city has more than 80 miles of cycle lanes.

‘It’s loading a bullet into a gun’