Boardman says Cambridge cycling is 'on a winning route'

Chris Boardman, who tried out Cambridge's Chisholm Trail, said it was "beautifully wide and smooth"

Olympic cyclist Chris Boardman says Cambridge is "already leading the country" when it comes to cycling and walking.

Mr Boardman, commissioner of the government's new cycling and walking body, Active Travel England, visited the city on Thursday.

He rode part of the Chisholm Trail, the £21m pedestrian and cycleway linking the city centre to North Station.

He said cycling and walking were "part of the fabric of the city."

The Olympic gold medallist travelled to Cambridge to see how the county is encouraging people to get out of their cars.

Nik Johnson, the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough mayor, said the visit was "vindication" for the Combined Authority's ambition to ensure "active travel is a priority for all".

Chris was shown around the city by Nik Johnson, the mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough

Mr Boardman said: "Cambridge is already leading the country.

"All of the colleges - you can't bring a car unless you get dispensation - all of the policies and processes in this area makes cycling and walking the easier and logical choice to get around and it's just great to see them building on that legacy.

"When you see parents riding around on cargo bikes with kids you know you're on a winning route."

Chris Boardman said "it's about de-carbonisation it's about imbedding health in every day, it's about making nicer places to live"

Mr Johnson said: "There are real challenges, we need people to feel safe when they get on their bike using country roads and that's a challenge that we've got to go forward with."

On his "bus tax" plans to increase council tax to support bus services, he added that he was "pro-choice in terms of options for everybody - not everyone wants to get in a car and get across the city some people want to get there quicker by using a bike or walking in a safe environment".