Feedback can be provided through a survey open on the council’s digital consultation and engagement platform, Let’s talk Oxfordshire until 7 January 2026. 

The draft LCWIP, which aims to improve walking, wheeling and cycling around the town, has been prepared using feedback gathered from residents, workers and visitors using a map and pin exercise, which took place earlier this year, extensive engagement with a steering group of local members and a comprehensive review of background information.

The input was used to set out proposed improvements for local walking, wheeling and cycling routes over the next 10 years. The draft plan focuses on the connection of cycling and walking routes in Wallingford, improving accessibility within the town and connections with Benson, Cholsey, Crowmarsh Gifford, Preston Crowmarsh, Ewelme, Shillingford, Warborough and Brightwell-cum-Sotwell.

Councillor Andrew Gant, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Transport Management, said: “We know the importance, and the value of making our travel more sustainable. We also know how crucial it is that we make the conditions right to allow people to make more sustainable travel choices when they have the opportunity to do so.

“Improving the routes in Wallingford and surrounding areas will enable more people to use alternatives to the car or public transport to make our roads safer and our environment healthier. This plan has been drafted using valuable insights that people have taken the time to share with us and it is now our intention to take those changes forward and make these routes the best we can.

“I encourage people to look carefully at the plan and share their impressions with us, including whether the most important walking, wheeling and cycling routes and improvements have been identified and what we can do to make the plan better.”

Feedback will be used to amend the plan. The final version will be presented to the lead cabinet member in Spring 2026 for a decision on if this can be formally adopted as council policy. If adopted, this will support future funding bids to improve walking and cycling in the Wallingford area.

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The Oxfordshire County Council LCWIP, which aims to improve walking, wheeling and cycling around the town, has been developed using feedback gathered last year from residents, workers and visitors using a ‘map and pin’ exercise.

Their input was used to set out proposed improvements for local walking and cycling routes over the next 10 years. As well as focusing on the connection of cycling and walking routes in Wantage, the LCWIP looks at a wider area including Grove and East Challow.

Councillor Andrew Gant, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Transport Management, said: “Improving the routes in Wantage and surrounding areas will enable more people to use alternatives to the car or public transport to make our roads safer and our environment healthier. This plan has been drafted using valuable insights that people have taken the time to share with us and it is now our intention to take those changes forward and make these routes the best we can.

“I encourage people to look carefully at the plan and share their impressions with us, including whether the most important walking and cycling routes and improvements have been identified and what we can do to make the plan better.”

Feedback will be used to amend the plan. The final version will presented to the lead cabinet member towards the end of this year/early 2026 for a decision on if this can be formally adopted as council policy. This will support funding bids to improve walking and cycling in Wantage and the surrounding area.

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Last year, Oxfordshire County Council gathered feedback from residents, workers and visitors in Thame, via a ‘map and pin’ exercise to identify improvements to local travel.

Their input was used to create the draft local walking and cycling infrastructure plan, which sets out proposed improvements for local walking and cycling routes over the next 10 years and is now available for comment.

Councillor Andrew Gant, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Transport Management, said: “This plan has been drafted using valuable insights that people have taken the time to share with us and it is now our intention to take those changes forward and make these routes the best we can.

“I would like people to look carefully at the plan and share their impressions with us, including whether the most important walking and cycling routes and improvements have been identified and what we can do to make the plan better.”

Feedback will be used to amend the plan. The final version will presented for Cabinet Member Decision towards the end of this year and then be formally adopted as council policy. This will support funding bids to improve walking and cycling in Thame and the surrounding area.

The draft plan is available to view alongside a survey on the council’s digital consultation and engagement platform, Let’s talk Oxfordshire.

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Residents and visitors to Carterton are now able to review and comment on a draft plan to improve walking, wheeling and cycling around the town, with a survey open until 18 June.

Earlier this year, Oxfordshire County Council gathered feedback from residents, workers, students and visitors in Carterton to identify improvements to local travel. Their input was used to create the draft local walking and cycling infrastructure plan which sets out proposed improvements for local walking and cycling routes over the next 10 years and is now available for comment.

Councillor Andrew Gant, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Transport Management, said: “This plan has been drafted using valuable insights that people have taken the time to share with us and it is now our intention to take those changes forward and make these routes the best we can. I would like people to look carefully at the plan and share their impressions with us including whether the most important walking and cycling routes and improvements have been identified and what we can do to make the plan better.”

The final version of the plan, incorporating amendments reflecting the feedback received, will go through a process at Oxfordshire County Council that will allow it to be formally adopted as council policy. This will support funding bids to improve walking and cycling in Carterton and the surrounding area.

The draft plan is available to view alongside a survey on the council’s Let’s talk Oxfordshire platform. Comments can also be emailed to placeplanningnorth@oxfordshire.gov.uk  or write to Freepost OXFORDSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL¹.

Ends

Notes to editors

• ¹Residents who wish to write to the council should address their envelope with Freepost OXFORDSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL as one line in the middle with ‘Carterton LCWIP’ written in the top left corner.
• Measures in the central Oxfordshire travel plan and Oxfordshire’s local transport and connectivity plan are designed to make Oxfordshire a better place for everyone.
• Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plans (LCWIP) are designed to
  • identify cycling and walking infrastructure improvements for future investment in the short, medium and long term
  • ensure that consideration is given to cycling and walking within local planning and transport policies and strategies
  • make a case for future funding for walking and cycling infrastructure.

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Oxfordshire County Council last week (24 April) approved local cycling and walking infrastructure plans (LCWIPs) for Chipping Norton and Woodstock.

The LCWIPs set out how to improve the rural market towns’ walking and cycling networks, reducing the reliance on single occupant motor vehicles to help cut congestion between residential areas, the historic town centres, schools, public open spaces and local services and facilities.

Paul Fermer, Oxfordshire County Council’s Director of Environment and Highways, said: “These plans are designed to provide well planned, joined up connectivity and real choice for how people move around their communities. We are particularly keen to encourage independent, healthy travel choices among school children and young people.

“In rural areas such as these, cars are essential for many people to get around, and we’re not trying to stop that. We just want to make it safer and more convenient for more people to walk or cycle for short journeys, or as part of longer journeys combined with using public transport in these towns and beyond.

“These LCWIPs will help achieve a culture of walking and cycling, as they have done elsewhere around the county. This can create  thriving, healthy, inclusive and climate sensitive communities, where improvements enhance the environment that makes Woodstock and Chipping Norton great places to live, work and visit.”

The decisions bring the number of LCWIPs in Oxfordshire up to nine, following on from Oxford, Didcot, Bicester, Abingdon, Witney, Banbury, and Kidlington – and more are planned.

The approval of the plans is expected to make it easier for the council to negotiate funding from developers and the government to deliver improvements.

The latest LCWIPs were developed and amended through discussions with local councillors at parish, town, district and county levels and feedback from public consultation. They provide a long-term strategy for safe, convenient and well-connected walking (including wheeling) and cycling networks that are accessible for people of all abilities, ages and backgrounds.

The aim is for these networks to connect people to where they want to go, including improving routes to access public transport.

Hundreds of specific improvements are proposed in the LCWIPs, including the provision of crossings, narrowing junctions, implementing dropped kerbs and tactile paving, and creating more space for cycling. It is hoped the improvements identified in the plan can be delivered by 2035, subject to funding.

In Chipping Norton, the A44/ A361 New Street junction and London Road are the highest prioritised areas for improvement due to the positive level of impact they would bring.

In Woodstock, reducing the speed limit on part of the A4095 between Bladon and Hanborough to reduce the danger to cyclists and pedestrians is listed as the top priority.

The plans, which were developed following government guidance, will be reviewed every two years to ensure they reflect local needs. The level of change in cycling and walking numbers will be monitored and modifications made if necessary.

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Oxfordshire County Council has adopted the Abingdon Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan (LCWIP), which will set out how to improve the town’s active travel network, reduce the reliance on single use motor vehicles, and cut congestion.

Councillor Andrew Gant, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Highways Management, said: “This plan really sums up this council’s ambitions. LCWIPs are practical ways of helping people to reduce their reliance on cars for short journeys, and help the council meet our objectives of tackling climate action, improving air quality, and creating a healthier Oxfordshire.

“Many different community groups were involved in helping us put this plan together, and we are sure this approach will help it be a success. Nowhere in Abingdon is more than one and a half miles from the town centre – that’s roughly a 30 minute walk or a 10 minute cycle ride – so we look forward to more people using active travel over the next few years.”

The proposals include more than 100 suggestions for the following types of improvements:

• new and improved crossings for walking and cycling
• junction redesign to prioritise walking and cycling
• removal or modification of barriers on walking and cycling routes to improve accessibility
• provision of additional high-quality cycle parking
• on-carriageway cycling improvements such as wider cycle lanes
• provision of segregated cycle tracks, some of which will require reallocation of highway space from motor vehicles to active travel
• permissions for cycling on some routes where it is not currently allowed
• new crossings for walking and cycling over the River Thames and River Ock
• footway widening
• provision of new and improved walking and cycling routes between Abingdon and other key destinations outside the town.

These infrastructure improvements are intended for development over a 10 year period and will help to increase active and sustainable travel and reduce the use of private motor vehicle journeys.

The Abingdon plan is the fourth LCWIP to be approved in Oxfordshire, following on from Oxford, Bicester, and Kidlington. Consultations have taken place for others in Witney and Banbury.

Implementing the plan is expected to make it easier for the council to negotiate funding from developers and the government once the design stage of the project begins.

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Oxfordshire County Council has started a consultation for the Banbury Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan (LCWIP), which will set out how to improve the town’s active travel network over the next 10 years.

Councillor Andrew Gant, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Highways Management, said: “Our aim is to prioritise active travel, such as cycling and walking, over road capacity for cars. Projects like this Banbury LCWIP show practical ways that we can help people to reduce their reliance on cars for short journeys, and helps the council tackle climate action, improve air quality and create a healthier Oxfordshire.

“The feedback we receive from the public, from businesses and other organisations will help us shape these proposals. We have already worked with Banbury Town Council and Cherwell District Council and now we want as many people as possible to take part so we can develop a better-connected active travel network.”

People can take part in the consultation, which includes maps of suggested routes within Banbury and connections to neighbouring villages, at https://letstalk.oxfordshire.gov.uk/banbury-lcwip-initial until 20 June.

LCWIPs help councils identify where transport infrastructure – such as cycleways and pedestrian crossings – should be implemented or improved to enable residents to cycle and walk safely and conveniently over the next 10 years. They also increase the chances of securing funds from the government and developers for active travel infrastructure.

If approved, the Banbury plan would be the fourth LCWIP to be developed in Oxfordshire, following on from Oxford, Bicester and Kidlington.

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Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet has approved the Kidlington Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan (LCWIP), which will set out how to improve the village’s active travel network over the next 10 years and reduce the reliance on single use motor vehicles.

Councillor Tim Bearder, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Highways Management, said: “We have pledged to prioritise active travel, such as cycling and walking, over road capacity for cars. In fact, we need to radically embrace alternative modes of transport because our Local Transport and Connectivity Plan pledges to replace or remove one out of every four current car trips in Oxfordshire by 2030.

“Projects like this Kidlington LCWIP show practical ways that we can help people to reduce their reliance on cars for short journeys, and helps the council meet our objectives of tackling climate action, improving air quality, and creating a healthier Oxfordshire. We’re particularly keen on making it easier for children to cycle or walk to school as active travel becomes more attractive, comfortable and direct and this is the start of that journey.”

The Kidlington plan is the third LCWIP to be developed in Oxfordshire, following on from Oxford and Bicester, which were approved in 2020. It contains proposals for encouraging cycling and walking in the village and to neighbouring areas to reduce traffic congestion and support planned growth around the Kidlington area.

Implementing the plan is expected to make it easier for the council to negotiate funding from developers and the government once the design stage of the project begins.

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Thanks to consultation responses from residents and organisations in January and February, final scheme designs have been agreed by the county council and are now set to be implemented.

Councillor Yvonne Constance, Cabinet Member for Environment, said: “I’d like to thank all those that contributed their views in the consultations on the schemes for Bicester and Witney. The consultations have helped us to design schemes that are right for the towns and that make a lasting difference in the council’s goals of increasing journeys made by cycling and walking.”

“Active travel and climate action are at the heart of our plans. We have put forward schemes that will have the greatest impact in terms of air quality, physical activity and environmental benefit. Both schemes are projects which go to the heart of supporting healthy and vibrant communities.”

Nigel Tipple, Chief Executive of the Oxfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership, said: “We are delighted to learn that work is set to begin on this scheme, benefitting both businesses and residents alike, as well as supporting a shift towards cleaner travel. As the Local Enterprise Partnership for Oxfordshire, we continue to play a vitally important role moving forward, securing investment that enables and unlocks new opportunities for our many businesses and communities right across the county.”

The work has been delivered at pace thanks to funding of £1.4 million secured by the Oxfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership (OxLEP) from the Government’s Local Growth Fund.

In Witney, an enhanced cycling and walking connection between Tower Hill and Madley Park will be created, incorporating the town centre, shops, schools and businesses. Following consultation feedback, Holloway Road will remain open and the proposed bus lane on Corn Street has been deferred to be considered within the Witney transport strategy review.

The work in Bicester incorporates the eastern end of Middleton Stoney Road. This scheme will boost cycling and walking from the expanding south and west of Bicester and provide connectivity into the town centre through Oxford Road/Kings End and Causeway, as well as an off-road route through Piggy Lane. A decision on Causeway has been deferred until the detailed designs have been prepared and discussed with stakeholders.

Shared paths will be widened in both towns to three metres wherever possible to create a safer environment to cycle and walk.

Work on both schemes is set to be completed in May, offering residents a great chance to enjoy more active travel journeys from the summer.