Restaurant boss says council 'are killing us' by erecting new bike racks that he predicts will end outdoor dining

See more Daily Mail on Google - save us as a Preferred Source Published: 08:33 EDT, 3 September 2026 | Updated: 08:57 EDT, 3 September 2026 A restaurateur has accused a council of 'killing us' with plans to place new bike racks outside his Italian eatery.Andrea Scaramuccia, managing director of Tradizioni, in Cambridge, said the council 'needs to understand how silly' the decision is. He predicted the move would be the end of diners eating outdoors where they 'have welcomed you for over a decade'. Mr Scaramuccia first became aware of the proposal when workers in hi-vis started measuring up to fit the racks on Wednesday.Mill Road, where the restaurant is located, is currently undergoing a so-called 'community co-design'. Campaigners had for the last two years called for the bike racks to be installed after the street had been blighted by drivers parking on the pavement. But Mr Scaramuccia has received an outpouring of support following his post on Facebook and the work has now been halted. He wrote on Facebook: '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.' Mr Scaramuccia said he was overwhelmed with support after writing his online post, has been offered a meeting with the project manager and told alternative locations will now be sought Andrea Scaramuccia, managing director of Tradizioni, in Cambridge, has accused a council of 'killing us' with plans to place new bike racks outside his Italian eatery. Pictured: worker measuring up pavement for the racks He predicted the move would be the end of diners eating outdoors where they 'have welcomed you for over a decade'He warned customers to 'get ready to say goodbye to dining outside with us on Mill Road', and added: 'We love cycling and fully champion active travel in Cambridge – this isn't about being against bikes.'But it is about the sharp contrast between the frequent promises to 'listen to and support independent traders' and the reality of decisions pushed through without genuine consultation with the very businesses keeping Mill Road alive.'Mr Scaramuccia said he was overwhelmed with support after writing his online post, has been offered a meeting with the project manager and told alternative locations will now be sought. An alliance led by Cambridgeshire County Council has asked urban designers Fifth Studio to seek feedback on improvements to Mill Road. Possible changes could include extra seating, crossings, trees and planters.Cambridge Cycling Campaign has previously outlined its vision for a 'healthy, thriving street' on its website, writing: 'Imagine a street built around its community with round-the-clock access for businesses and residents, but without the pollution of through traffic.'Alex Beckett, portfolio holder for highways and transport at Cambridgeshire County Council, wrote online that it has 'come to my attention that an LHI (Local Highways Improvement scheme) to install bike racks on Mill Road would negatively impact local business, in particular Tradizioni'.He said he had 'asked that this installation be halted', adding that the bid came from local councillors.'I understand the desire to move quickly in improvements for Mill Road but they also need to be the right improvements,' he said.Cambridge Cycling Campaign said putting bike racks outside the restaurant 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'.In a Facebook post, the group wrote: 'Camcycle would like to see more cycle parking on Mill Road, but this needs to be carefully considered alongside other streetscape improvements.'A controversial bus gate came into force on the street in 2025, banning vehicles except buses, emergency services, taxis and blue badge holders' registered vehicles.