Introducing the new Thorpe Wood cycleway

Published on 10 September, 2025

The Thorpe Wood Cycleway is a major infrastructure project delivered by Peterborough City Council in partnership with the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority (CPCA). It was funded through a successful joint bid to Active Travel England, securing approximately £3 million to support the development of high-quality cycling and walking infrastructure. It’s part of the wider Peterborough Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan (LCWIP).

Key Objectives

  • Encourage active travel between Bretton and Longthorpe.
  • Improve access to Ferry Meadows, Thorpe Wood Business Park, and the police station.
  • Enhance connectivity with the new pedestrian and cycle bridge over the A1260 Nene Parkway.

Features

The infrastructure is fully LTN 1/20 compliant, meeting national standards for cycleway design. This sets a precedent for future schemes under Peterborough’s LCWIP, ensuring consistency in quality and safety.

Impact and Legacy

The Thorpe Wood Cycleway is now open and operational, offering a safe, accessible, and sustainable route for cyclists and pedestrians. It serves as a model for future active travel schemes in Peterborough, demonstrating the city’s commitment to reducing car dependency and promoting healthier travel choices.

What is the LCWIP?

The Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan (LCWIP) is a strategic framework developed by Peterborough City Council to guide the development of walking and cycling infrastructure across the city. It aligns with national guidance from the Department for Transport and supports the ambition to make active travel the natural choice for short journeys.

https://www.peterborough.gov.uk/council/strategies-policies-and-plans/transport-strategies/local-cycling-and-walking-infrastructure-plan

Why It Matters

Peterborough’s LCWIP is a cornerstone of the city’s commitment to:

  • Reducing car dependency for short trips.
  • Improving air quality and reducing carbon emissions.
  • Creating safer streets for all users.
  • Encouraging physical activity and healthier lifestyles.

By focusing on infrastructure that supports walking and cycling, the LCWIP helps deliver on broader goals around public health, climate action, and inclusive mobility.

Demonstrating Commitment to Active Travel

Peterborough City Council is actively delivering schemes that reflect the LCWIP’s priorities. The plan is not just a vision—it’s a working strategy that is shaping real change on the ground.