Views sought on improvements for cycling and walking connections in west Bicester

Residents in and around Bicester are being asked to share feedback on proposals to better link new cycling and walking routes between the town centre and existing and proposed residential and employment areas to the west.

Oxfordshire County Council has worked with local cycling groups to draft plans aiming to create a new two-way cycleway along the full length of Middleton Stoney Road, between Howes Lane and King’s End.

The plans also include a continuous new pavement on the south side of Middleton Stoney Road, between Whitelands Way and King’s End, along with new zebra crossings for both cyclists and pedestrians.

Councillor Andrew Gant, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Transport Management, said: “I encourage people to look at the proposals and help us understand the impact they’ll have.

“More options for local journeys made by walking, wheeling or cycling helps us enjoy what’s around us unfettered by the stress of traffic queues and finding parking space. We can feel healthier and engage more easily with our local environment.

“We’d like to hear how cycling, walking and wheeling around Middleton Stoney Road works for you, and how the proposals could support that, or where they may need some changes. This will help to shape the final plans and give me a detailed picture of what matters for you when they are considered for approval.”

The proposals are for:

• A new two-way cycleway separated from motor vehicles and pedestrians along the full length of Middleton Stoney Road.
• A new pavement on the south side between Whitelands Way and King's End.
• New pedestrian/cyclist zebra crossings along the road and signalised crossings at the roundabout with Shakespeare Drive.
• Associated minor works along the road to improve safety for people walking and wheeling.
• Traffic restriction on Chalvey Road junction with Villiers Road to improve safety

Middleton Stoney Road is a key strategic route linking the centre of Bicester with existing and planned housing estates and businesses on the west of the town, and surrounding villages including Chesterton and Middleton Stoney.

The designs will follow the latest national cycling standards with cyclists separated from motor vehicles on the road for their safety and to encourage new and inexperienced cyclists of all ages and abilities.

The project is funded by the government’s Active Travel Fund as part of grants received in 2022 to improve walking and cycling in the county.

Plans are available to view and a survey can be completed on the county council’s digital engagement and consultation platform, Let’s Talk Oxfordshire. The consultation closes at 11.59pm on Tuesday 25 March 2025.  

Feedback will help inform a county council cabinet decision on whether to approve the work. Subject to approval, the proposed works would be carried out later in 2025.

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