Cycling group hail end of riverside ban

Campaigners have welcomed the decision to scrap a ban on cycling along Ely’s picturesque riverside.

In 2012, the Ely Standard revealed that complaints to police against “anti-social cyclists” were on the increase and that the pathway that runs from The Cutter pub down to Waterside was a particularly problematic.

At that time, the path was subject to a ‘no cycling’ order but campaigners argued that there was no suitable alternative route.

Now, almost two years on, East Cambridgeshire District Council has decided to scrap the ban and allow cyclists to use the path alongside pedestrians.

The Ely Cycling Campaign said it hoped the move was the “first of many” improvements to come in Ely and East Cambs and added that it would continue to push for more changes.

In a blog, the campaign said: “We’re really pleased that the ban on cycling along the riverside in Ely is being lifted. This is one of the simple improvements we’ve been campaigning for and it’s great to see it come to fruition.

“The riverside is a really important part of the cycle network we’d like to see developed in the district. It gives commuters who live in the North of the Ely a safer route from the end of Lisle Lane to the station.

“We realise that there is a short section where the route narrows where a little more care is required. We understand that section will have signs to remind those cycling to be careful and courteous to pedestrians.”