S H O P P I N G B Y B I K E

Shopping by Bike in Cambridge, UK

Cambridge is a popular shopping destination, with the busy, mostly car-free old town centre, and the Grafton shopping centre, both easily accessible by bike. In addition, several retail parks and supermarkets have recently sprung up along Cambridge's ring road. They offer ample parking, but the streets leading up to them tend to get so congested that a short trip to the shops turns into a traffic nightmare. Cyclists again hold the winning hand, as most of these locations offer extensive, modern, and often unused, bicycle racks.

Parking Your Bike

Bicycle racks are located throughout the city of Cambridge, but finding a free one in the city centre can be a challenge. The Cambridge Cycling Campaign has been working hard to increase secure bicycle parking in the city. We now have two secure cycle parking facilities - the free cycle park at the Park Street Multi-story Car Park, and a locked and secure parking facility at Cambridge Station Cycles (fee-based). In its many redevelopment efforts, the city constantly adds to the number of modern bicycle racks around town, making it easier to lock your bike to a stationary object. Never leave your bike unlocked or only locked to itself, even when just popping into a newsagent for 30 seconds - we've all heard the stories!

Cycle Parking Near Shops in Cambridge City Centre

Market Square and Beyond - Cambridge Historic Town Centre

Cycle Racks by Little St. Mary's Church - You're VERY lucky if you find a free space. Cyclists don't have much choice but to use every available fence or lamp post. Hint: Try the racks by the City Council Building.
Cycle Racks by Marks & Spencer, Boots and Next - Again, very busy indeed. Hint: Cycle past Lloyd's bank on the corner down Sussex/King Street and try your luck at the racks there.
Cycle Racks by Sainsbury's - There are very few racks available here, especially for a shop with no real car access. Don't be lazy - cycle on to Park Street and park up securely in the multi-story car park. At the very least, find a good fence or lamp post down the road.
Park Street Multi-story Car Park - Free secure cycle parking

Grafton Centre and Burleigh Street

Cycle Racks to the front and rear of Grafton Centre - usually not too bad
Cycle Racks in Burleigh Street - OK except at the week-end. We recently got some more racks when Robert Sayle opened in Burleigh Street.

Cycle Parking Near Shops on Cambridge Outskirts

By definition, it is easier to park your bike at the shops at the town's periphery, although they tend to make for less pleasant shopping (unless you like super stores). Here are some tips:

Tesco, Newmarket Road - Has ample bike racks, and while it is awful to get to by car, it is a pleasure to access by bike - you simply cycle along the towpath by the river - keep going out of town past Jesus Lock, the Fort St. George and the Elizabeth Way underpass, until you come to the back of Tesco on the right-hand side. Dedicated pedestrian and cycle paths lead up to the shop. Use a bicycle trailer to do a proper shop.
Business Parks along Newmarket Road and Coldham's Lane - This is the land of superstores and garden centres. Very unpleasant by car - much better by bike, as you can take shortcuts and won't get stuck in traffic. All offer ample, and under-used, bike racks.

To recommend relevant websites, or supply useful information for cyclists in or around Cambridge, please e-mail .