Cycle route work in Woodstock shows the path to active travel

People getting out and about on two wheels are seeing cycleways across Oxfordshire receiving extra attention from the county council.

Crews are currently repainting markings and clearing vegetation as part of a major overhaul of the county’s cycling infrastructure.

The pictures, provided by local cyclist David Walker, show recently completed clearance work done on a route that runs alongside the A44 from Woodstock to Bladon Roundabout. It has been done as part of Tranche 1 of a £2.9m Government-funded programme of work.

County Councillor Yvonne Constance, Cabinet member for Environment and Transport, said: “The popularity of cycling has soared since lockdown began in March and we are determined to build on this trend with the help of the Government money.

“Fewer cars on the road has led to improved air quality and almost non-existent congestion. People who exercise more are also more healthy.

“Clearly we want to retain as many of the positives as we can and that means doing what we can now and in the future to help more residents to take part in what we call active travel.”

County Councillor Liam Walker, Cabinet member for Highway Delivery and Operation, said: “Our crews have been out throughout lockdown repairing roads and helping to make them safer for everyone who uses them. Delivering our £32m investment in repairs and maintenance has progressed well and now the teams are also turning their attentions to work that will help those who use sustainable transport.

“I am really pleased to see that their efforts are not going unnoticed and that they are playing their part in encouraging active travel in Oxfordshire.”