Improving Cycle Routes in Fenland

What would it take to make cycling a better option than taking the car? 

Many people would agree that cycling is better for them and the environment than using a car or public transport – so the first issue is ‘What’s stopping you?’ 

In some cases, cycling is not a suitable alternative, but there are many times when it could be a viable option. It is just that the infrastructure makes the prospect daunting. We cannot solve bad weather, shortfalls in cycle design or carrying capacity. However, the application of funds could provide a well-maintained surface, signage and lighting 

Linking the villages to Whittlesey would be a good starting point, and National Cycle Route 63 is an obvious candidate. Currently, the stretch East of New Road is awful and has no lighting. If the section between Turves and Whittlesey linked Coates and Eastrea and was properly re-surfaced, anyone could use it. If vehicles were prevented from using the cycle route, solar-powered lighting could be installed and it could be a safe route for all to use. 

North and South Whittlesey (B1040 road) require new dedicated cycle routes, and villages West of Whittlesey could be linked into Route 63 and the Peterborough Green Wheel. In addition, the Kings Dyke crossing will have a cycle lane, so this could be designed to make cycling a possibility to Peterborough using the North Bank (Millennium Bridge) or the South Bank into Stanground. 

Who will fund it? The Combined Authority and Fenland District Council are charged with making such facilities readily available to all. There is local and national funding available to promote such schemes. Anything is possible if there is the will and support.