Cycling campaigners have called on Hertfordshire County Council to follow the lead of their Cambridgeshire counterparts as they look to improve conditions for peddlers in Royston.

The A10 Corridor Cycling Campaign held its first meeting of 2014 at the Coombes Community Centre in Royston last week.

Discussions centred around a safe crossing for cyclists at the A10/A505 junction, though it was also revealed that an ongoing project to improve the cycle path between Foxton and Shepreth is coming in under budget, so may be extended.

Matt Scales, from the Royston section of the campaign, said: “It was fantastic to hear the news about the current work being carried out between Foxton and Shepreth, and that un-spent budget is available to further improve this new stretch, and may even extend the works further.

“What is somewhat frustrating is the slower pace of progress across the border of the Hertfordshire side. Having a safe means to cross the A505 is the key element that is going to make this pathway really work. We need to keep the momentum and keep the pressure on Hertfordshire County Council to make this development a priority.”

The meeting heard that a feasibility study will shortly be carried out for cycle and pedestrian links over the A505, not only at the A10 but at other points as well including the A1198 and Litlington crossings.

Melbourn county councillor Susan van de Ven, who chaired the meeting, said: “It was agreed by everyone that the roundabouts present life-threatening barriers to anyone not in a motor vehicle. An update on the feasibility study will be requested at the campaign’s next meeting on March 31.”

It is hoped the proposed “city deal”, which could see the Cambridge area receive central government funding from tax revenues to boost transport and housing projects, could facilitate the construction of an off-road cycle path between Trumpington and Royston.

Cllr van de Ven said: “There would be an emphasis upon sustainable transport networks that would alleviate car congestion, and the A10 corridor is seen as ideal for a modal shift to cycling.

“While the Hertfordshire/Cambridgshire county border creates administrative headaches, the campaign is determined to help tackle these challenges as the demand for travel across that border is self-evident.”

A date for the campaign’s next awareness ride will be announced in the next few weeks.

For more on the group, visit www.a10corridorcycle.com