Work is currently underway to create a new shared cycle path on King George’s Playing Field, providing an off-road path for cyclists and pedestrians.
The path will link the existing cycle network to Oxford city centre from the west of the city.
The work, which is being carried out by ODS, will see the creation of a new convenient shared cycle and pedestrian path at King George’s Playing Field, as well as the widening and improving of the existing cycle path to ensure enough space for both cyclists and pedestrians.
The shared, unsegregated pathway aims to provide a quick, convenient, and spacious route for cyclists and pedestrians travelling between Botley and the City Centre.
The Council identified the need for the new path following feedback from cyclists and pedestrians, along the route of an informal shortcut that had been created across the field. The new path formalises this shortcut as part of the local cycling network, creating a greatly improved route for cyclists and pedestrians.
The pathway will be three metres wide and will include bat-friendly solar reflectors to provide lighting along the path while also reducing the environmental impact.
Consultation on the new pathway was carried out in December 2022 with a number of key stakeholders. The path will tie in with a new junction with Willow Walk currently being undertaken by Oxfordshire County Council.
Money for the project has come from Oxfordshire County Council on behalf of the Oxfordshire Growth Deal. The funding aims to deliver improvements to pedestrian and cycling routes within the County, some of which have been provided to Oxford City Council.
The work is expected to be completed later this month, subject to weather conditions.
The cycle paths will be maintained by ODS on behalf of the Council.
Encouraging active travel journeys
Oxford City Council wants to encourage more cycling and walking, or ‘active travel’, journeys across the city to help people get the recommended level of daily exercise.
The Council is supporting a range of initiatives to cut pollution in the centre of the city, and providing more cycle routes will make it easier for residents to use one of the cleanest forms of transport.
In addition to improving general health and fitness of riders, cycling is often a quicker, cleaner, less congested way of travelling. Research shows that swapping the car for walking, cycling or e-biking even for just one day a week makes a significant impact on personal carbon emissions in cities.
"This new and improved route for cyclists and pedestrians at King George’s Playing Field will help to provide a convenient off-road route to travel into the city. What used to be a narrow, muddy track is being transformed in to a smooth, wide path.
Routes that are away from roads and traffic encourage more people to walk or to get out their bikes. I am looking forward to the work being completed later this month and I will be using it along with many other people in the future.”
Councillor Louise Upton, Cabinet Member for Health and Transport
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