Cambridge cyclists "don't read signs", according to residents

Numerous complaints have been made about anti-social cycling in Cambridge city centre, with one resident claiming that cyclists “don’t read signs”.

Now there is debate among interested parties as to whether an increase in signage will actually lead to a decrease in cyclists flouting the rules, according to the Cambridge News.

Residents are reportedly growing weary of the infractions, with complaints of incidents occurring on St John's Street, Trinity Street, Market Street, Sidney Street and Petty Cury.

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Nicholas Halliwell told councillors: “There is a huge new 'no entry' written on the road [in Bridge Street] – and cyclists ride over it with aplomb. I think you're wasting your time. We live in a university town – cyclists don't read.”

Some residents believe extra signage will deter cyclists from travelling the wrong way down one-way streets, and not enter areas where cycling is forbidden, but councillors are wary of what impact this would have on the city.

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Cllr John Hipkin said: “The call for signage has to be set against the fact we're talking about an historic city, a conservation area and the fact the city is already over-cluttered with signage.

“The way we say 'yes, more signs' does worry me.”

Cycling campaigner Jim Chisholm defended the need for more signs, however, saying cyclists are not the only ones to disobey regulations.

“There are always going to be people – just like there are drivers – who disobey the regulation,” he said. “But you need to have the signage clear enough so responsible people do understand them.”