Overview:

We, the undersigned, support the implementation of a dedicated cycle lane and a reduction of the speed limit from 60 mph to 30 mph on the roads from Dullingham to Newmarket via Hall Farm Road (CB8 0TX), approximately 2-3 miles, with connections to the national cycle network (NCN) route 51. This proposal aims to enhance cyclist safety, promote active lifestyles, and calm traffic through infrastructure design, aligning with national guidance in LTN 1/20 (Cycle Infrastructure Design, 2020) and Cambridgeshire County Council's priorities for road safety and sustainable transport.

Justification:

The current 60mph speed limit and lack of cycling infrastructure on roads from Dullingham to Newmarket pose significant safety risks to cyclists and pedestrians and drivers. A dedicated cycle lane and lower speed limit will address these issues and provide broader benefits.

Safety:

The 60mph limit is hazardous for cyclists on a rural road with narrow verges and sharp bends. LTN 1/20 recommends segregated cycle lanes or speed limits of 20-30 mph on roads with cyclist activity (section 6/1).
A 30 mph limit, paired with a cycle lane, is a practical compromise for a rural setting, reducing collision risks. The UK Transport Research Laboratory notes that every 1 mph reduction cuts casualties by 6%, supporting the proposed changes.
Local evidence (residents' reports of speeding on Hall Farm Road, near misses, dead pets and wildlife, and RTAs) highlights the need for intervention.

Traffic:

A dedicated cycle lane narrows the carriageway, naturally slowing vehicles, as per LTN 1/20's guidance on infrastructure as a traffic calming measure (section 10.3). 
This supports a self-enforcing 30 mph limit, reducing any reliance on police enforcement.

Connectivity:

The cycle lane will connect Newmarket Hall Farm and Dullingham to Newmarket town centre (2-3 miles), a key hub with shops, schools (Newmarket Academy), and Newmarket Railway Station. It can also link to NCN Route 51 (3-5 miles, via Snailwell Road), enhancing access to amenities and the national cycling network. LTN 1/20 emphasises coherent, direct routes to key destinations (section 4.2).
The lane support's Cambridgeshire's goals of promoting active travel, reducing car use, and improving public health, aligning with the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority's Transforming Cities Fund Objective.