More cycle paths needed
A tragic loss of lives
BikeSafe is appalled, saddened and horrified at the killing of two young, active and high achieving women, Ellen Moilanen and Dr Ling Felce, both faculty members of Oxford University, who were going about their daily work, commuting on their bikes, until they were hit by HGVs. Our thoughts and sympathies go to their husbands, families and colleagues.
More cycle paths needed
Bike Safe is still actively pursuing the building of the B4044 bike path. The University fully supports the project but OCC (Oxfordshire County Council) have not yet been able to obtain government funds to get it built.agreed to fund it.
The original plan
BikeSafe’s original plan was to build a segregated path along the B4044 from the A420 bridge to the Toll Bridge, but it is now extended into Botley and to the A40 at the Eynsham end, with safe links to the new A40 cycle path and the proposed path to Hanborough.
Where are we?
We’re hugely disappointed at the lack of visible progress but optimistic that the repeated meetings with OCC and Edgars will bear fruit. BikeSafe commissioned Edgars the Planning Consultancy and other professional firms including Royal Haskoning to provide the technical drawings of the path. The feasibility studies are completed for one section and all plans should be completed by OCC by end of this month. Signing off the feasibility studies by OCC should occur in April 2022, then more detailed designs will be required for the OCC planning application, and all should be funded by OCC.
Most of you will know that OCC had accepted BikeSafe’s technical drawings for the B4044 path and included it in their A40 dualisation bid before dropping it at the last minute, saying it would detract from the other demands. There was fury and despair within the cycling community.
The next steps for BikeSafe
Looking ahead, we will be getting estimates for the detailed planswork to be completed so that the project can go ahead as soon as the government provides the money. We understand OCC has grant applications in for “Healthy, Safe and Active Travel” monies, and await the result, but will continue with a proactive approach to see this project through, to complete the B4044 path for all potential users, young and old. BikeSafe is extremely grateful to everyone who has donated money that has allowed us to get this far.
