Oxfordshire County Council cupboard member for transport administration Andrew Gant made the decision at a gathering right this moment (September 5) in relation to the present cycle lane on the southern aspect of Botley Road in Oxford.
The approval comes despite 77 session responses being acquired through a web based survey throughout formal session comprising 46 objections, 16 partially supporting, 10 in assist, and 5 submitting a non-objection.
Cyclists at The Plain in Oxford. (Image: Tejvan Pettinger)
READ MORE:Â Rail minister ‘acutely aware’ of Oxford Botley Road disruption
The obligatory cycle lane would get replaced with a wider advisory one underneath the council plans. Advisory cycle lanes are marked with damaged strains as opposed to the strong strains used for obligatory lanes.
The authority has beforehand acknowledged “a consultation is not a referendum” and had justified the brand new proposal saying it could “help improve road safety and the environment for cyclists using the Botley Road”.
But one Oatlands Road householder mentioned in objection: “This plan is misguided, and I consider we must be taking steps in the wrong way to improve and increase our biking infrastructure.
“Firstly, it’s crucial that we absolutely separate cycle lanes from the primary roadway utilizing correct structural limitations equivalent to bollards, kerbs, and raised paths.
“Cyclists should not be forced to share the road with cars and buses as this creates a hazardous environment.”
Another objector, of Riverside Road, added: “I cycle with kids and there are already only a few obligatory cycle lanes in Oxford.
“It could be very harmful to cycle with kids on an advisory cycle lane.
“Often there are cars parked on an advisory cycle lane. There should be more mandatory cycle lanes and not fewer.”
Householders supporting the proposals, nevertheless, made feedback equivalent to “wider will be safer” and “the current mandatory cycle lane feels very narrow”.
Speaking out at right this moment’s assembly, householder Danny Yee, who got here as a consultant for Oxfordshire Liveable Streets and Cyclox, mentioned he supported the proposal.
But Mr Yee added “this kind of layout works best with low traffic volumes and low speed” and recommended the deliberate site visitors filters trial might assist scale back congestion.
He additionally mentioned that 20mph may have a constructive influence on safety within the space.
While Oxfordshire Cycling Network and Cyclox supported the proposals, Bike Safe was among the many objectors.
Mr Gant mentioned: “There’s been loads of responses right here and loads of objections – I’ve learn all of them.
“Botley Road has been talked about and deliberate with not an excessive amount of taking place for a lot too lengthy.
“What I’m being asked is is this better to do this now or not.”
The proposal is being put ahead within the context of continued works to Botley Road by the prepare station with the council referencing an “opportunity to make improvements to highway road markings”.
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About the creator
Noor is the Local Democracy Reporter for Oxfordshire who covers political tales from throughout the county.Â
She started working as a journalist in Oxford in September 2023 having graduated from the University of Oxford.
Noor was skilled on the News Associates journalism college and could be discovered on X by means of the deal with @NoorJQurashi
