Historic towns like Hertford embody a unique charm, with their narrow streets, listed buildings, and ancient landmarks. However, these very features also present a cycling infrastructure challenge. Unlike modern cities, where roads have been designed to accommodate dedicated cycle lanes, Hertford’s streets were built centuries ago for pedestrians and horse-drawn transport. Former Councillor, Peter Ruffles, reflects on the difficulties that accompanies the task of modernising historic towns.
Gascoyne Way: A Necessary Bypass or a Barrier to Cycling?
Before the development of Gascoyne Way, much of Hertford’s traffic flowed through the town centre, clogging up key areas such as Fore Street, Maidenhead Street, and Parliament Square. The bypass, built as part of the A414 expansion, was intended to alleviate congestion, by redirecting traffic away from the heart of the town. However, while it successfully diverted vehicles, it also created a significant physical barrier, splitting the town and making it more challenging for cyclists and pedestrians to navigate safely.
Peter stated: “Historical towns like Hertford face significant challenges when trying to develop safe, accessible cycling infrastructure. Unlike newly built towns, such as Stevenage, which are designed with wide roads and dedicated cycle lanes, Hertford was never built for cars, let alone bikes.”
Old Cross: A Risky Bottleneck for Cyclists
One of the most problematic areas for cyclists in Hertford is the Old Cross traffic lights. With limited road space and high vehicle flow, cyclists struggle to safely pass through without being cut off by cars.
Peter believes that small, strategic changes could greatly improve cycling conditions in the town, including Old Cross.
“Old Cross is a perfect example of where Hertford is lacking cycle infrastructure. It’s nearly impossible for a cyclist to pass through the lights safely without cars cutting them up. A small change—like creating a segmented cycle lane at this junction—could make a real difference for cyclists navigating the town.”
Can Low-Traffic Neighbourhoods help Hertford?
Many historic towns across the UK have successfully implemented Low-Traffic Neighbourhoods, to create safer and more accessible streets for cyclists and pedestrians and use measures such as one-way systems and speed restrictions, to discourage rat-running (a notable problem in the 20mph zones at the back end of Bengeo) and reduce congestion.
For a town like Hertford, where space is limited and main roads are dominated by car traffic, it could provide a practical solution to reduce traffic in residential areas, improve air quality by encouraging more active travel and make cycling a more viable option.
However, the introduction of such measures would require careful consultation with residents, businesses, and local authorities to ensure that changes are effective, without causing unintended disruptions.
Looking Ahead: A More Cycle-Friendly Hertford?
Tim Hoskin, East Herts Executive Member for Environmental Sustainability, noted that whilst Hertford and other historic town centres were challenging there are notable success stories to be seen nearby in Cambridge, for example. Here, thoughtful combinations of public transport, better signing or dedicated bike lanes and changes to signalling have supported the popular use of cycling as a practical alternative to private cars.
Tim said: “Perhaps one of the key obstacles to creating a better and safer active travel environment is not the physical infrastructure, as much as the divisive nature of the conversation. The headlines often revert to an easy “war on motorists” trope, when what is needed is a considered conversation and thorough exploration of the alternatives with all interested parties involved.”
He added: “The creation of traffic free or lower and slower traffic with our town centres would enable much more use to be made of our joint public spaces. We often envy the café culture of Europe but seem reluctant to explore ideas around how these opportunities could be grown within our towns. Regardless of the environmental benefits of fewer cars, the increase in active travel has often been described as the most effective health intervention that any government could undertake. That would make it seem worth taking on the challenges placed on the idea within Hertford.”
One way to improve awareness of cycle-friendly routes is through new cycle maps and better wayfinding – Hertford Town Council has proposed working with Hertfordshire Highways to put up better signposting for cyclists and the town council is working with local cyclists and cycle groups to develop a map showing cycle routes through the town.
The town council has also been looking at options for a bike sharing scheme like those already in place in a number of other towns in Hertfordshire. If such a scheme proves feasible, it could provide a way to bring the benefits of e-bikes to Hertford residents, some of whom face steep hills but may not yet be ready to invest in an electric bike.
Currently, East Herts Council is working with Hertfordshire on developing a Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan, which will result in a series of options for new network links and promoting routes for cycling and walking. This plan has been through consultation with residents who contributed more than 1500 suggestions for new routes and cycle links the most of any of the LCWIP consultations in Hertfordshire. Once complete, this will form the basis for future funding bids to create new cycle routes or improve existing ones.
Hertford’s rich history and traditional street layouts present clear challenges for modern cycling infrastructure, but change is possible. Whether through small-scale interventions like improved junctions or larger policy shifts towards sustainable transport, the town has the opportunity to become a safer, greener place for cyclists, pedestrians, and motorists alike.
As discussions continue, one thing is certain—Hertford’s future must balance its historic charm with the need for modern, sustainable mobility solutions.
As Hertford looks to embrace more sustainable transport options, businesses and residents alike can play a role in shaping a more cycle-friendly town.
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