Oxfordshire County Council had funding to deliver improvements to pedestrian and cycling routes. A proportion of the funding was provided to Oxford City Council to deliver schemes within the city. One scheme identified was the provision of a new shared footpath/cyclepath at King George’s Playing Field.
There was a route between the access at Earl Street and then around the field to Willow Walk. This was used by both pedestrians and cyclists, however corners are often cut for ease of travel. This route ties in a new junction with Willow Walk constructed by Oxfordshire County Council. There was a large rut across the field representing this desire line, and this has now be incorporated into the proposal.
The scheme provides a new all-weather footpath/cyclepath which is wide enough for pedestrians and cyclists to use at the same time. This route runs across the field between Earl Street and Willow Walk, utilising both existing routes and the desire line.
The existing entrance to the field from Earl Street remains in place, including a timber bollard to prevent vehicular access.
The consultation ran between Monday 5 December 2022 and closed on Sunday 18 December 2022.
Plan of cycle improvements at King George's Playing Field
Benefits
- Provision of a dedicated route for pedestrians and cyclists through the park.
- A more comfortable direct route to cross the park, providing a suitable surface for all weather use.
- Ties in with local cycling network and signed cycle routes.
- Encourages greater use of the playing fields and promotes active travel.
- Designating the path officially as a cycletrack.
