What if we designed our streets around people instead of cars?

Cambridge has just opened England’s first “cycle street”, a Dutch-inspired concept where cyclists are given priority and motorists are supposed to give way. The new scheme on Adams Road is designed to create a safer, more accessible environment for an expected 3,000 cyclists per day.

While the project has sparked debate over its £2.4 million cost, the broader conversation is far more interesting, how should cities evolve to support sustainable growth, safer travel, and healthier communities?

Around the world, cities are rethinking transport infrastructure to prioritise active travel, reduce congestion, and improve quality of life. Cambridge’s latest initiative may be just one street, but it represents a larger shift in how urban spaces are being designed for the future to support Active Travel UK initiatives.

Whether you support the project or question the investment, it’s another reminder that the future of mobility isn’t just about technology, it’s about reimagining the spaces we already have.

Should more UK cities adopt cyclist-first infrastructure, or should investment be focused elsewhere?