Dear BikeSafe supporters, Spring 2026
After waiting for several months for feedback from the County Council and Active Travel England (ATE) – which is the arm of central government that funds investments in cycle paths and pavements – we can now report on their comments on the draft design sent to ATE towards the end of last year.
Active Travel England’s feedback
The one line update is that ATE have recommended that the initial design should be revised and improved. From Bike Safe’s perspective, this is encouraging! We had concerns about some aspects of the initial design and in 2025 we made a number of suggestions for changes so as to ensure that the path was consistent with the standards and guidance set out by ATE.
Bike Safe focussed on three principal issues:
How to make crossing the toll bridge safe and convenient for cyclists and pedestrians
The section between the toll bridge and the roundabout near the Siemens factory, including safe and direct
access to Eynsham villageThe junctions with the A420 near Dean Court
Support in Principle
We are relieved to let you know that our concerns were echoed by ATE’s. Just as importantly, we’re told ATE have confirmed the strategic significance of improving the route and are prepared to continue discussions to improve the design. Oxfordshire County Council (OCC) will now be responsible for producing a design that meets our and ATE’s criticisms.
Phased Construction
OCC have also asked for an updated assessment of the costs of building the path. This is something we have been arguing for since it is a clear sign of commitment to build. But we all know how difficult it is to access public funding, so OCC are now considering a phased approach to construction, rather than building it from start to finish in one go. It’s not Bike Safe’s preference but we fully understand why such an approach might be necessary.
Linking the B4044 path to the Botley Road paths
ATE stress the importance of creating cycle routes that are direct, safe and continuous – that’s why they want to see safe connections in to Eynsham or at the A40 roundabout. At the other end of the path, in Botley, ATE want to ensure that the B4044 path links to the work done several years ago to improve the Botley Road.
Currently safe cycling provision ends at Botley shops and there is a short section between there and the junction with Eynsham Road that needs to be connected. OCC have arranged for an initial design to be produced this year and Bike Safe will comment on it as soon as it is available.
Thank you and keep supporting the campaign
All of us at Bike Safe appreciate that the campaign has been long and frustrating. It really should not take 12 years to build a cycle and pedestrian path that has overwhelming support from the public and is fully consistent with the county’s policies and priorities. But that is not a reason to give up! We are making progress and after years of obstruction and disinterest, there is no doubt that OCC are committed to working with us.
Now, let’s get it built!
