Bike Safe has been campaigning since 2011 to have a community path built between Eynsham and Botley.

The path, which has enjoyed a very high level of support since the beginning of the campaign will serve communities and facilities in both West Oxfordshire and the Vale of White Horse including:

• Eynsham and surrounding villages

• Farmoor village, the reservoir and nearby campsite

• Cumnor village

• Oakenholt care home

• Hill End Outdoor centre

• Future housing developments in Eynsham and Salt Cross

The B4044 is a very busy commuter route and bus route used by thousands of people every day to travel to work or to school as well as providing the most convenient and quickest access to the retail parks along the Botley Road.

It is also the shortest and most direct route to the station and the city centre. But for cyclists and pedestrians, the road is widely considered to be “too dangerous”, “scary”, “intimidating” and “horrible to cycle along”.

Building a path which runs adjacent to the road and conforms to the latest standards and advice will be essential if the County Council is to achieve its commitment to encourage more walking and cycling for short journeys, to reduce traffic congestion and delays and to improve air quality and public health.