New map highlights quieter and safer routes to cycle in Oxford

Inspired by conversations with school children and older cyclists its to help less experienced cyclists.

A new cycle map aims to connect up Oxford and enable rides on quieter and safer routes throughout the city. 

Crowdsourced by users, the Oxford Online Cycling Map shows routes with low or no car traffic to help less experienced cyclists to gain confidence.

The map is being released to Mark the 100th Anniversary of Bike Week and is developed by Cyclox and the Coalition for Healthy Streets and Active Travel (CoHSAT)

Cllr Emily Kerr, who helped design the map, said:

“The cycle routes won’t always be the most direct, but they should be the quietest. We’ve split routes into car-free, low-car and walking-only; and you can tick a box in the map to see crossings. We’ve aimed to make sure schools and other destinations are connected up, and where there are a number of options, we’ve just chosen the best one so the map doesn’t get too crowded. The map is on Google Maps so it’s possible to download to your phone - and you can even make a copy and edit yourself if you want to.”

Dr Alison Hill, Chair of Cyclox, said:

“It’s a great tool for planning a commute, a journey to the shops, or visiting a friend. We’ve aimed to make sure schools and other destinations are connected up, and where there are a number of options, we’ve just chosen the best one, so the map doesn’t get too crowded.”

Campaigners are also calling for better road safety measures including more school streets and the introduction of traffic filters. 

According to data published by Oxfordshire County Council, the six traffic filters would reduce road casualties by 9% and cycling casualties by 13%.

You can find other rides and events on the Cycling UK Oxfordshire website.