Oxford Greenways masterplan to help connect communities and support sustainable growth
A plan setting out a long-term vision for walking, wheeling and cycling routes linking Oxford with nearby towns, villages, employment centres and green spaces has been launched by Oxfordshire County Council, Oxford City Council and the University of Oxford.
The Oxford Greenways project proposes a network of 18 routes extending around Oxford and connecting communities within approximately eight miles of the city. These will be a combination of existing, upgraded and new routes. By making active travel safer, easier and more attractive, the network will improve access to jobs, education, services, public transport and leisure, while supporting healthier lifestyles and helping to reduce congestion.
Councillor Gareth Epps, Oxfordshire County Council's Cabinet Member for Transport, said: "The Oxford Greenways masterplan is a bold and exciting vision for active travel in and around Oxford.
"High-quality, connected routes will help more people make sustainable journeys, reach opportunities and lead healthier lives.
“Delivering this long-term programme will require councils, communities, developers, landowners and funding partners to work together. The shared plan will guide future investment and delivery.”
Councillor Anna Railton, Oxford City Council’s Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Planning and Zero Carbon Oxford, said: "The Oxford Greenways masterplan is a fantastic piece of work, aiming to transform how current and future residents outside the city can get into Oxford by walking and cycling.
“As Oxford grows this network, it will be crucial to giving people safe, sustainable and accessible options for travelling around the county."
Professor Mark E Smith, Oxford University’s Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Planning and Resources, said: “The University keenly supports the Oxford Greenways masterplan, which will help create a better, more liveable city for everyone. We are committed to helping our staff and students commute and move around Oxford in healthy, sustainable ways wherever possible, and look forward to playing our part in delivering this transformative upgrade to the green travel links between the city and surrounding communities.”
Developed over several years, the masterplan draws on technical analysis, route assessments and feedback from residents, parish councils and stakeholder organisations.
Routes will include traffic-free sections, segregated paths alongside roads and quieter on-road links. They will connect Oxford with destinations including Woodstock, Kidlington, Wheatley, Berinsfield, Abingdon, Cumnor, Wootton, Eynsham and other nearby communities. The masterplan provides a framework for incorporating active travel infrastructure into future growth and development across the wider Oxford area.
The network is expected to be delivered in stages, funded through a combination of government and council investment, developer contributions and partnership working.
To view the masterplan and learn more: oxfordshire.gov.uk/oxfordgreenways
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