Progress
Hello Bike Safe supporters
It’s been a long time since I have been in touch – my apologies for being slow to update you on recent progress. The good news is that there is progress to report.
Design Funding Success
After several setbacks, Oxfordshire County Council have now been successful in securing funding to prepare detailed preliminary design drawings for the whole length of the path.
Initial designs were prepared some years ago as a basis for future planning.
There is no provision at this stage to provide a direct and segregated link between the B4044 path and the planned Salt Cross housing development in Eynsham. This failure to link the two communities which will exist on each side of the A40 is deeply regrettable and short-sighted but our efforts to persuade the various stakeholders that a safe and integrated link is essential have been unsuccessful so far. We will continue to make the case.
Our top priority though remains to build a segregated and safe route along the B4044.
What will happen and when?
The contract to prepare the planning application will be awarded before Christmas and work on the design will most likely start in early 2024.
The work will involve reviewing earlier design drawings and completing a wide range of studies such as environmental surveys, road safety audits as well as reviewing the legal framework, especially with the University of Oxford, which owns much of the land.
The preliminary proposal should be completed by the middle of 2024, after which a public consultation will take place. The design can be amended based on public comments before planning permission is sought. A planning application will hopefully be submitted late 2024, early 2025.
Construction
The funding does not include construction of the path. However, if we have final designs and planning consent, Oxfordshire County Council will be in a much stronger position to submit another bid to central government for the funds that we need.
Thank you!
So, while we are delighted to report to you, our wonderfully patient and determined supporters, on the progress we’ve made in 2023, we still need your support and encouragement for the year ahead.
We hope you have a good Christmas and healthy and happy 2024.
Ian Leggett, Chair of Bike Safe.
