Andrea Scaramuccia, managing director of Tradizioni, an Italian restaurant in Cambridge, has criticized the local council's decision to install public bike racks directly in front of his eatery, asserting that the move will end outdoor dining. Scaramuccia stated that the council "needs to understand how silly" the decision is and predicted it would be the end of outdoor dining at his establishment, where patrons have been served for over a decade.
The proposal came to light when workers began measuring the pavement for the racks on Wednesday. Mill Road, where Tradizioni is located, is currently part of a "community co-design" initiative. The bike racks were a response to two years of advocacy from campaigners concerned about pavement parking by drivers.
Scaramuccia's post on Facebook garnered significant support, prompting the project to be temporarily halted. He expressed his concerns online, stating, "The council has made the decision to install public bike racks directly in front of our restaurant, right where our outdoor tables have welcomed you for over a decade." He warned customers to "get ready to say goodbye to dining outside with us on Mill Road," clarifying that his opposition is not against cycling itself but against decisions made without genuine consultation with local businesses.
Following the public outcry, Scaramuccia has been offered a meeting with the project manager, and alternative locations for the bike racks are now being considered. The initiative, led by Cambridgeshire County Council and urban designers Fifth Studio, aims to gather feedback for improvements on Mill Road, which could include additional seating, crossings, trees, and planters.
Cambridge Cycling Campaign acknowledged the need for more cycle parking but questioned the placement, stating in a Facebook post that it was a "strange decision given the recent community engagement and the need for a holistic vision for a better street, including space to attract people to visit and support local businesses." The group added that "this needs to be carefully considered alongside other streetscape improvements."
Alex Beckett, portfolio holder for highways and transport at Cambridgeshire County Council, confirmed that he had "asked that this installation be halted" after learning it would negatively impact local businesses, particularly Tradizioni. He noted that the bid for the racks came from local councillors and emphasized the need for "the right improvements."
The street has previously seen controversy with a bus gate implemented in 2025, which restricts vehicle access to buses, emergency services, taxis, and registered vehicles of blue badge holders. This measure was part of an effort to reduce traffic pollution and create a "healthy, thriving street."