Cycling and Walking

What are the benefits of cycling and walking?

• Improves general health, helps to lower both blood pressure and the resting heart rate
• Helps with weight and stress management
• Improves fitness
• Cyclists and pedestrians breathe in less fumes than car drivers
• Saves you money
• Produces no pollution so good for the environment 
• Often quicker to get around in congested areas
• Fewer cars on the road means safer roads

Visit the Walking to Work or School pages of the DirectGov website for information on the benefits of walking and to set up your own community scheme.

Where can I find out about bicycle routes in Oxford?

Visit the Cycle Maps pages of the Oxfordshire County Council website for a detailed map of cycle routes in Oxford.

Visit the Get Cycling pages of the Sustrans website to find out about the National Cycle Network, view a map of the cycling network and plan your journey online.

Where can find walks and trails in the UK?

Visit the Thames Path and Ridgeway pages of the National Trails website for information about stunning local walks in Oxfordshire.

Visit the Trails and Walks pages of the DirectGov website for more information on nationwide walks and trails.

How do I stay safe on my bike?

• wear a safety helmet
• check your bike is in good working order before you leave
• plan your route
• fit a bell to warn pedestrians and motorists
• fit front and rear lights and a good red rear reflector for cycling at night and carry spare batteries
• wear reflective clothing after dark
• carry a small emergency toolkit

Visit the 10 Second Bike Check page of the Cycle Sense website for a guide to making sure your bike is in good working order.

Visit the Cyclist pages of the Highway Code website to see the rules of the road for cyclists.

Visit the Cycling safety pages of the DirectGov website for more advice on bike safety and security tips.

Where can I get cycle training for me or my child?

Oxfordshire County Council's Road Safety Team offer free cycle training for children. Visit the Cycle Training page of the Oxfordshire County Council website for more information and contact details.

Oxford Cycle Workshop offer cycle training for adults. Visit the Oxford Cycle Workshop website for contact details.

How can I reduce the chance of my bike being stolen?

The Home Office suggests the following:

• Get a good bike lock (D locks or combination locks are best. Look for Sold Secure Ltd approved locks, or ask for a recommendation at a bike shop)
• Lock your bike to something secure - a bike rack or lamppost
• Lock up removable parts (for example, wheels) or take them with you (for example, light fittings and seats)
• Have your bike security-marked or engraved

Where can I find out more about cycling and walking?

Visit the Cycling pages of the Oxfordshire County Council website to find out more about cycling in Oxford.

Visit the Cycling pages of the DirectGov website for more advice about benefits equipment, and national cycle routes.

Visit our Transport Links page for useful links to other websites relating to cycling, walking and road safety.

Page last reviewed 23 Oct 2007