
Oxford City Council, working with partners ODS, is proposing to create new shared cycle and pedestrian paths at Cowley Marsh Recreation Ground and King George’s Playing Field.
The proposals follow those for a new path in Donnington Playing Fields, which were announced in May. They aim to provide new foot and cycle paths wide enough for pedestrians and cyclists to use concurrently. It will be provided with a porous surface to drain away water and allow for year-round use.
The Cowley Marsh Recreation Ground path will enter the park through the existing access at Marsh Road car park and cross the field using the existing route. There will be two new access points onto Barracks Lane.
At King George’s Playing Field, the new path will rectify the damage caused by users taking shortcuts away from the current path. It will tie in with a new junction with Willow Walk currently being undertaken by Oxfordshire County Council.
The paths will offer dedicated routes that fit in with local cycling networks and signed cycle routes.
Consultation on the new paths will take place between Monday, 05 December and Sunday, 18 December. To learn more about the proposals and how to participate in the consultation, visit www.oxford.gov.uk/marsh-park-cycle-path and www.oxford.gov.uk/king-georges-field-cycle-path.
Money for the project has come via Oxfordshire County Council, which successfully secured funding to deliver improvements to pedestrian and cycling routes within the County, some of which have been provided to Oxford City Council.
ODS and their consultant Stantec will review the consultation responses and, where appropriate, make amendments to the scheme before a planning application is made to the City Council.
Comment
“These new and improved routes for cyclists and pedestrians will enhance our city’s healthy, green transport options by providing convenient and reliable paths that are a pleasure to use. Routes that are away from roads and traffic will encourage more people to walk or to get out their bikes.
“Swopping the car for two wheels will help you stay fit and healthy whilst reducing congestion and pollution. I want to encourage as many people as possible to take part in the consultation – we want to hear your views.”
—Councillor Louise Upton, Cabinet Member for Health and Transport at Oxford City Council