Cycling in Oxford is easy. If you learnt to ride a bike as a child, then you can pretty much just get hold of a bike and get out there.

If you’re nervous about the traffic, check out the Map & Journey Planner to find quiet routes to get you started. These get you to most parts of Oxford, and while you can’t really avoid using The Plain roundabout (at the eastern end of High Street), it’s not too bad if you keep left and then cut through the back streets of St Clements (see map).

Most cyclists in Oxford use the main roads. See our illustrated guides to get an idea what they are like. Oxford has notably less traffic than pretty much any other city in Britain, and remarkably few major road junctions. At busy times, a lot of the traffic is stationary, and it rarely does more than 30mph. The main thing to look out for is buses and lorries cutting in or turning left. Bus drivers are under strict instructions to look out for cyclists, but you shouldn’t rely on lorry drivers doing likewise.

Buying a Bike – guidance on buying a bike

Cycle Training – for children and adults

Accessories - lights, baskets, helmets

Maintenance – advice on looking after your bike

Bike Rides - information on rides you can do by yourself or with groups