Oxford is set to welcome 140 new cycle parking spaces as part of an ongoing effort to improve the city’s infrastructure and support sustainable travel. The installation of 70 new Sheffield-style cycle racks, providing space for 140 bicycles, is already underway across key locations in Oxford. This initiative, spearheaded by Oxford Direct Services (ODS) on behalf of Oxford City Council, also saw collaboration with Oxfordshire County Council in determining the best spots for these much-needed racks.
New Cycle Rack Locations
The 70 new racks will be strategically placed around Oxford, enhancing accessibility and security for cyclists. The locations include:
- Broad Street: 5 racks (10 spaces)
- Ship Street: 6 racks (12 spaces)
- Queen’s Lane: 21 racks (14 upgrades + 7 new racks) (42 spaces)
- South Parade: 12 racks (24 spaces)
- Brasenose Lane: 16 racks (32 spaces)
- Leopold Street: 7 racks (14 spaces)
- Observatory Street: 3 racks (6 spaces)
These new additions come at a time when cycling in Oxford is on the rise. According to recent data from the Department for Transport, 35% of people in Oxford cycle at least once a week, one of the highest rates in England. However, the demand for cycle parking has outpaced availability, leading to bikes being left in less secure locations, such as railings and drainpipes. The new racks will help alleviate this issue and encourage even more residents to take up cycling.
Supporting Oxford’s Cycling Future
The installation of the new cycle racks is part of Oxford City and County Councils’ ongoing work to support and promote cycling in the area. With cycling becoming an increasingly popular mode of transport, the city is looking to ensure that infrastructure keeps up with demand.
The project, which began in December, is expected to be completed by the end of January 2025. Funding for the cycle racks comes from the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL), which collects contributions from developers when new buildings are approved. This fund has a dedicated pot for cycle infrastructure, which is expected to continue through 2026.
How You Can Get Involved
Oxford residents can contribute to the city’s cycle infrastructure by submitting suggestions for new cycle rack locations via the FixMyStreet website. If you think there’s a spot in your neighbourhood that could benefit from additional cycle parking, you can easily request it.
For further information about cycling in Oxford, including cycling maps, routes, and tips, residents can visit the Council’s official cycling webpages.
Comment
“I am delighted that we are creating 140 new cycle parking spaces. Oxford is a hub for cycling, but with so many people using their bikes every day to come in to the city centre there are often bikes attached to all sorts of inappropriate things like railings and drainpipes. To encourage more people to cycle, with all the health benefits that brings, it is important that we increase the provision of bicycle parking across the city.
“We often hear from existing and potential cyclists that it is really difficult to find places to lock bikes securely. I am looking forward to using these new racks myself, and to seeing other people using the new racks throughout the city. If anyone has ideas of where new cycle racks are needed, please do share your suggestions.”
Councillor Louise Upton, Cabinet Member for Planning
Key Takeaways
The introduction of these new cycle racks demonstrates Oxford’s commitment to improving the city’s cycling infrastructure. With increased demand for secure and accessible bike parking, this project is an important step toward accommodating Oxford’s growing cycling community. Not only will the racks provide cyclists with more convenient and secure parking, but they will also help keep the city clean and reduce the number of bikes left in unsafe locations.
Cycling is becoming an essential part of Oxford’s transport system, and with the city’s efforts to expand its infrastructure, residents can look forward to a more bike-friendly city in the years to come.
