A new Park & Cycle scheme, designed to encourage commuters into Cambridge to cycle the last leg of their journey, has been touted as the first of its kind in the world.

There are already Park & Ride sites with provision for cycle parking in Cambridge, but the proposed site near junction 12 of the M11 would be the first public Park & Cycle facility in the world, according to Greater Cambridge City Deal, who have launched a public consultation on the project, open until 21 March.

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The proposals also include a plan for a £30m segregated bus and cycleway alongside the M11 between junctions 11 and 13, as well as improved cycling facilities at Barton Road.

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Councillor Lewis Herbert (Lab), chair of the Greater Cambridge City Deal executive board, said: “We all know how congested the centre of Cambridge can get, so if we are to continue to grow we must find ways to make it easier to move around the city.

“The idea of the ‘Western Orbital’ bus service, on the M11 or a segregated bus and cycleway next to the motorway, could provide an alternative way to work for residents throughout South Cambridgeshire.

“We are also putting forward ideas for a new Park & Ride site plus a world first ‘Park & Cycle’ to meet the needs of commuters. We believe express bus links from these new sites connecting the developments in the west of Cambridge to the Biomedical Campus and Addenbrooke’s Hospital will greatly assist the way traffic and people move around the city.

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“Our suggestions are at the earliest stage of development which is why we’re keen to hear people’s views now as we move forward so please take the chance to get involved either online or via the leaflet. These are very exciting times for Greater Cambridge and by working together we can make sure we deliver the best infrastructure possible for our residents, communities and businesses.”

Since 2001, the University of Cambridge has run a Park & Cycle scheme at its West Cambridge site, but only for university staff working in the city centre.

The University of Cambridge’s estate management office says: “It works in the same way as a Park and Ride but with bikes.

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“Essentially, a user can drive to the Park and Cycle area, park their car, take out their bike from an individual locker and cycle the rest of the way to work. Water proof clothing and cycle helmets, etc. can also be stored in the lockers.”

The Greater Cambridge City Deal is a partnership between several local county and district councils, the University of Cambridge and local businesses and colleges, which focuses on building housing and infrastructure and tackling congestion in Cambridge.