Cycle parking restrictions at new development in Cambridge prompt concerns

The developers of a 10-storey building in Cambridge, the tallest in the city, have come under criticism over the provision of cycle parking there.

Signs regarding cycle parking have been put up at the Marque, a mixed use development a mile from the city centre with shops on the lower levels and residential units above, reports Cambridge News.

They have been installed on Hills Road in what is thought to be an effort to stop students at a nearby sixth form college from leaving their bikes there.

The signs read: “This cycle parking is provided for the residents and patrons of The Marque only. Any unauthorised parking may result in the removal of bicycles.”

The cycle parking is situated on parking rather than private land, with one Twitter user, Chris Howell, saying: “What do they expect opposite Hills Road 6th Form. This is a complete planning fiasco.”

Hester Wells, co-ordinator of Cambridge Cycling Campaign, queried in a tweet whether there was any other provision for residents’ parking at the development, which was nominated for Building Design’s Carbuncle of the Year award.

She said: “Residents’ parking should be off-street, secure and covered. Naff if that’s the only option. Should be visitor’s parking,” and commented that it appeared to be “pretty anti-social house building.”

In fact, the brochure for the development, which has 91 apartments plus a penthouse, noted that as well as having “access to gated basement car park,” residents are provided with “secure bicycle storage.”

Another Twitter user, Sam Davies, asked: “Is it enforceable? What about customers/staff of retail units once opened - they’re not residents.”

One interpretation of the word ‘patron’ used on the sign is that it could encompass shoppers and retail staff – although without it stating so specifically, the matter is open to question.

Cambridge has by far the highest levels of cycling in the UK with half of adults who live there riding a bike at least once a week.