Cambridge is becoming known for its increasingly complex road layouts (Image: Getty)
A city known for its historic architecture and world-famous university has recently become a focal point for its increasingly .
From Dutch-style roundabouts to Cyclops junctions and Copenhagen crossings, Cambridge is pushing the boundaries of modern to prioritise and pedestrians over cars.
But the new designs are leaving drivers scratching their heads.
With narrow medieval streets and limited infrastructure, the city has to handle a large influx of people travelling in and out.
Alex Beckett, chair of the highways and transport committee at Cambridgeshire County Council, said: “Cambridge is now four times the size it was 100 years ago, but the roads weren’t designed for that scale. Managing this flow is incredibly complex.”
Dutch-Style Roundabout In Cambridge (Image: Getty)
Elisa Meschini, chair of the Greater Cambridge Partnership, told : “Traffic isn’t just other people; it’s all of us. Designing corridors that work for everyone is a monumental task.”
One of Cambridge’s most notable innovations is its Dutch-style roundabout on Fendon Road. Designed with segregated cycle lanes and pedestrian pathways, it was created to slow down vehicles and prioritize safety.
Since its 2020 debut, cycling traffic has increased by 50%.
“It’s designed to make drivers feel uneasy and more cautious, that’s intentional,” said Beckett.
Josh Grantham of the cycling advocacy group Camcycle added: “The roundabout is working because more people are using it. However, it’s an isolated piece of infrastructure; it needs to connect better to other cycle-friendly routes.”
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Cambridge is known for its historic architecture (Image: Getty)
Despite its success in promoting cycling, the design’s unfamiliarity continues to confuse some drivers, raising questions about whether the city has struck the right balance.
To the north, Cyclops junctions, where cyclists have their own lanes and lights, are transforming busy corridors like Milton Road. The first was installed in 2021, with a second following in 2023 as part of a £31.9 million improvement scheme.
Milton Road has also introduced Copenhagen crossings, junctions where pedestrians and cyclists have priority.
While many applaud Cambridge’s push for sustainable travel, critics argue the city needs a more cohesive strategy.
Linda Jones of Cambridge Living Streets said: “Footways sometimes feel like an afterthought. We need greater protection for residential streets and better public transport.”
Beckett added: “Cambridge doesn’t have a system like London’s underground. We have to find innovative ways to make it all work.”