BICESTER residents are being urged to give feedback on a major new cycle scheme to help make the town a safer place to ride and walk, cutting vehicle journeys and creating cleaner air.

Proposals for the Bicester Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan will be made possible thanks to the government's active travel fund as well as an investment by the Oxfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership (OxLEP), with a focus on increasing cycle journeys.

Under the plan, it is hoped people will be able to walk or cycle from the south and west of Bicester into the town centre, via Kings End and Causeway.

ALSO READ: £3m cash for new schemes to get more people cycling and on buses in Oxfordshire

New and improved facilities will therefore be introduced to achieve this such as the widening of cycle paths, upgrading crossings and building new shared-use paths - with the aim of making walking and cycling safer for everyone.

County councillor Yvonne Constance, cabinet member for environment said: “This is great news for the growing town of Bicester. The funding from OxLEP recognises the ambition of our active travel plans and enables us to build on our existing commitment to accelerate our bold plans for transforming how people travel and how communities are connected.

"As Bicester grows, it is vital that this growth is made sustainably so we minimise emissions and car journeys and help the growth be geared to connected and healthy, active communities.

“Active travel and climate action are at the heart of our plans. We have put forward schemes which will have the greatest impact in terms of air quality, physical activity and environmental benefit."

The Bicester Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan sets out an ambitious target of doubling sustainable transport, at a minimum, from around 15,000 to 30,000 trips a day within the town.

The scheme will be complemented by reduced traffic speeds, creating a safe and attractive environment for those who might have previously driven or taken the bus into the town centre.

Improvements will include the eastern end of Middleton Stoney Road, Oxford Road, Kings End, Church Street and Causeway, as well as several adjoining roads.

ALSO READ: Road works in Bicester aim to get thousands more cycling and walking

But all of Bicester's county councillors have a problem with a contraflow cycle lane being proposed in Causeway.

In a joint letter signed by Michael Waine, Lawrie Stratford, Les Sibley and Dan Sames, the group said: "We, as county councillors for Bicester, generally support moves to promote walking and cycling, especially as part of our Healthy Town profile.

"However, the Active Travel consultation carries with it a proposal to consider a ‘contraflow’ for bicycles in the Causeway, meaning that cyclists would be able to cycle in both directions alongside pedestrians and vehicles.

"We do not support this particular proposal. Even given the proposed speed and width restriction on vehicles, we believe that the Causeway would be hazardous to pedestrians.

"A better approach would be to widen the footpaths to enable all walkers, including those with buggies, and those on mobility scooters to pass safely."

The consultation closes at 11.59pm on February 11.

Go to consultations.oxfordshire.gov.uk to have your say.

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