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The council has committed to the construction of the path for our community. This outcome belongs to everyone who recognized the necessity of a safer route between Eynsham and Botley. We will watch the planning process closely to ensure the final result reflects the safety standards we all deserve.

December 5, 2012

West Oxford Community Path Campaign

West Oxford Community Path Campaign

🏆 Won — 1,063 supporters Verified

Final supporters

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sarah l.
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Someone
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Katarina W.
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Someone
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Letishia T.
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Someone
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Ray M.
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Someone
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Karthik R.
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Someone
+1,053 more
JM
Started by Jean Metson 15 years, 2 months ago
Introduction The Botley to Eynsham road, B4044, is one of the busiest B roads in the county with up to 10,000 vehicles a day. Described by Oxfordshire County Council as part of a “primary inter-urban corridor”, the route is a vital transport link for commuters, schools, businesses and important facilities. It is heavily used by private cars, buses and commercial vehicles. The problem But the road is winding, unlit and throughout its length is too narrow to allow a vehicle to overtake a bicycle against oncoming traffic. It is common for queues to build up behind a relatively slow-moving cyclist leading to frustration and delays for vehicle drivers, the increased risk of an accident by overtaking and a high level of anxiety for cyclists. Pedestrians face similar problems and risks. Apart from occasional pavements within Farmoor, there are no pavements at all and pedestrians are forced to walk on the road, or over the rough, uneven verge. In the dark, this is extremely difficult with a high risk of twisted ankles and other injuries. Fast moving vehicles, passing very close to cyclists, make the road too unwelcoming and hazardous for most people to consider using it, even for short journeys. Most people are simply too scared to take the risk; neither are they prepared to let their children use the road. The need for a path: The current situation is unsatisfactory for everyone. A community path linking Eynsham – Farmoor – Botley would reduce the dangers associated with travel increase cycling and walking for local journeys, recreation and health reduce carbon emissions from transport reduce congestion This year’s Oxford’s “Commuter Challenge”, from Eynsham to Oxford highlighted the potential benefits of improving cycling access. Cyclists won hands down, with all cyclists beating the quickest car. WE SUPPORT THE CAMPAIGN FOR A COMMUNITY PATH BETWEEN EYNSHAM AND BOTLEY and believe it should be a priority transport investment for Oxfordshire County Council off road and separated from the main carriageway wide enough to be multi-purpose, serving the needs of both cyclists and pedestrians We, the undersigned, call upon Oxfordshire County Council to give priority to the construction of a dedicated footpath / cycle track linking Eynsham, Farmoor and Dean Court.

Updates

October 17, 2012

Reaching one thousand signatures confirms that many people share the same vision for a safer route between Botley and Eynsham. This milestone highlights the collective desire for a path that serves the needs of all road users rather than just motorists. Thank you for helping to bring this necessary conversation into the public eye.

Reached 1,000 supporters

October 15, 2012

Reached 100 supporters

July 12, 2011

14 Comments

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Anonymous
7 years ago Featured

I would love to be able to cycle to and from school, it would save my family £1000 a year!

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Jon Stacey
12 years ago Featured

I've cycled along the B4044 a few times and have never enjoyed it, because of the traffic. Cycle paths shouldn't just be in cities but should also link different communities - just as roads do for cars.

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Anonymous
12 years ago Featured

Our office is based in Farmoor and I regularly drive in to Oxford for meetings, as do all of my colleagues. With a cycle path I would feel much more confident cycling in to Oxford, thus reducing the horrendous traffic along the Botley Road.

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Sarah Cullen
12 years ago Featured

I am a mother with a small child and I would like to access the Hill End centre. As a non-driver Hill End is inaccessible to me as it is unsafe to walk from the bus stop along the B4044. It is crazy to me that the people of the surrounding communities have been campaigning for this path for so long.

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Dr Richard Gipps
12 years ago Featured

A cycle lane between Oxford and the Botley interchange would make a huge difference for me, greatly increasing the amount I can use my bike and leave the car at home. Oxford could really do with some more proper cycle routes (not just lines painted at pavements that stop either side of trees and bus shelters...) - this would be a fantastic addition and demonstrate a commitment to healthy and happy transport for all.

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Laura Collins
12 years ago Featured

I travel this road by car and am acutely aware of how dangerous it is for cyclists ... I wouldn't do it myself and certainly wouldn't let my children do it even though the distance makes it perfectly possible. A missed opportunity for a greener lifestyle! Bring on the path! Please!

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Fraser
11 years ago

This needs to happen ASAP. It would encourage so many more cyclists to make the commute, including myself. The road itself is far too dangerous to cycle along.

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Joan Hawton
11 years ago

I wish we had a safe route to town.