Large-scale cycling investment encourages a shift from automobiles to bicycles, offering a £10 million boost

Highways England has invested significantly in improving cycling facilities across the East of England over the past five years, pumping £10 million into the region. This investment has led to numerous upgrades and new schemes, making cycling safer and more accessible for residents and visitors alike.

One of the areas that have seen significant improvements is the A12, where Highways England invested £2.5 million to bolster cycle routes near Lowestoft, Suffolk. The A12 cycling routes in Lowestoft were significantly improved with the introduction of a signalized crossing, dropped kerbs, and improved signage. Similarly, the A120 cycling infrastructure in Harwich was improved, and the A47 cycling infrastructure in Norfolk received an upgrade as well.

The city of Cambridge, in particular, has benefited from this investment, with Highways England dedicating £800,000 to bicycle improvements in 2018. Cyclists in Essex have also seen benefits, with £800,000 worth of improvements provided in the same year. The A5 cycling infrastructure in Dunstable and the A5 cycling infrastructure in Harwich have also been upgraded.

Highways England's vision is to create better and improved cycling facilities that are safe and separate from traffic. To this end, they have worked to provide smoother cycle paths, safer crossings, and better signage in the East of England. A project in 2015 restored a one-mile route between Birchanger village and London Stansted Airport, making it safer for cyclists to cross the M11 motorway.

Since 2015, 19 cycling schemes have been constructed in the East of England, and Highways England plans to complete a further 11 schemes by the end of March 2020. This work is part of a £175 million dedicated fund for improving and providing new facilities for cyclists and pedestrians.

Highways England's efforts in the East of England are making a real difference for cyclists, providing safer and more accessible routes for those who choose to cycle for transportation or recreation. With these improvements, the region is becoming a more cyclist-friendly place, encouraging a healthier and more sustainable mode of transportation.