Bicester’s Sheep Street cycling trial to begin later this month
Two-way cycling will be allowed in Sheep Street in Bicester from Tuesday 25 March on a trial basis.
Last November, Oxfordshire County Council approved an experimental traffic regulation order to allow cyclists to use the pedestrianised street for a trial period of up to 18 months.
A public consultation will be held during the first six months of the trial to enable people to give their views on how it is progressing. This could allow amendments to be made or even for the trial to be ended early.
It will also form part of the considerations about whether the scheme, which covers the area from Market Square to Bell Lane at all times of the day, is made permanent or not.
Councillor Andrew Gant, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Transport Management, said: “The aim of this trial is to increase the number of cycling routes in Bicester, making it more attractive to travel by bike and reducing the reliance on private cars for local journeys.
“We realise there are, rightly, concerns about cyclists and pedestrians sharing space, and we will be monitoring and evaluating the reporting of any incidents. We will stop the trial if there are any pedestrian safety concerns that cannot be addressed suitably and promptly.
“However, evidence from other locations where similar arrangements are in place show that pedestrians are not subject to increased danger as cyclists alter their behaviour to accommodate the shared space.”
Anyone wanting to offer their feedback on the scheme once it begins can email SheepStreetETRO@oxfordshire.gov.uk or visit the council’s Let’s Talk Oxfordshire online consultation page.
As a result of an earlier consultation, the council agreed to seek permission to have Fridays, the day of Bicester Market, as an exception to the trial. This request has been approved by the Department for Transport and will begin this Friday (28 March).
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