New bike parking in North parade replaces three parking slots with 13 bike racks to improve access to the shops and venues in the area
A new bike parking project, designed to improve North Parade's attractiveness as a mixed residential and trading street in North Oxford, was envisaged, promoted and delivered by the traders and residents of the North Parade Residents and Traders Association (NRPTA) with the help of local city and county councillors.
The North Parade area
The NPRTA membership extends beyond North Parade itself to the surrounding streets, and the Parade has grown since the 1850's to include an eclectic mix of pubs, restaurants, grocers and hairdressers - to name just a few.
Looking at promoting the location, the NPRTA established that the haphazard car parking in this narrow street discouraged pedestrians and cyclists - the great majority of their visitors.
Creating new bike parking
They approached the County and City Councils for financial and project management support to design and implement the removal of three parking slots at pinch points and their replacement with 13 bike racks.
Local city councillor Louise Upton contributed £2000 to the costs of installing the racks from her ward budget, with a further £500 from the local County Councillor Emma Turnbull. Eighteen donations from members of the local Association raised the remaining £5500.
The racks and road signage were completed in mid-August, and a celebration event will be held this Friday, 6th September, at the Rabbit Hole (4 North Parade) at 5.30 to officially declare them open.
“Swapping car parking for bike parking in this charming little street makes perfect sense. Now 26 cyclists can park in the space taken by 3 cars! On market days here, the second and fourth Saturdays of every month, the few existing racks were completely overwhelmed. Even on a normal day, people visiting the shops here were having to lock their bikes to railings. Do come and see the new and improved North Parade!”
Councillor Louise Upton, Cabinet Member for Healthy Oxford and North Ward Councillor
“The buzz around North Parade is growing as modern shops and restaurants open in a setting that is rich with Oxford character. These new bike racks will make a visit to the street more convenient for more people. By reducing car traffic, they'll make the street more tranquil and pedestrian-friendly. I’m proud that this was a community-driven effort. Cycle over to North Parade for the next Saturday market! North Parade Market website”
Chris Williams of the North Parade Residents and Traders Association
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