The new foot and cycle bridge at Riverside is part of an ambitious programme by Cambridgeshire County Council to improve existing footpaths and cycle ways.
There were two other pedestrian bridges situated either side of the new Riverside bridge - the Green Dragon and Cutter Ferry. The Cutter Ferry Bridge was improved in 2005, but the Green Dragon Bridge is not ideal for cyclists, people with pushchairs or wheelchair access.

The site for Riverside bridge was the most popular location identified by the public as part of a major public consultation that took place in 2002. There was also a major demand from those living in Chesterton and Arbury to access the new shops to the south of the river. 

The new bridge also provides benefits such as convenient and safe access to the city centre and the rest of the Cambridge cycle network. It also benefits commuters heading northwards to the Science Park. As many as 1,000 pedestrians and cyclists will be using it each day, now that it is open.

With new developments planned for the future in various parts of the city, it was vital that we acted to ensure that sustainable options to the car were provided.