Oxford Travel Options website launches
By Julia Patrick
Julia is Coordinator at Low Carbon Oxford North, writing here as a guest blogger for Oxford Travel Options
Whether or not Oxford deserves to be called a ‘cycling city’, as the signs on the ring road proclaim, a lot of people in the city cycle. Students, of course. School children (especially to the Cherwell School), commuters, tourists, grandparents, trades people and delivery firms…. Over a third of Oxford residents cycle at least once a week, according to the Department for Transport. And we know from working with local residents that many more would like to.
New website Oxford Travel Options (developed by Low Carbon Oxford North and Zero Carbon Oxfordshire Partnership) is here to help: it brings together information, advice and inspiration about buses, bikes, walking, Park & Rides, lift sharing and scooting – all in one place.
Useful information
There is plenty of useful information for those who already cycle and those who aspire to do so, including:
- where can you find an online cycling map for the city
- where can you rent an e-bike or buy a cheap second-hand bike
- options for adult cycle training
- where to get your bike repaired
- the Cycle to Work scheme
Real stories
And there are real stories from local people, with advice and inspiration for those who would like to cycle more.
- Samita, whose children used a school bike library and recently learned to cycle. She says “It’s changed how they look at life”.
- Katherine, who found an adult cycle training session gave her the confidence to cycle more.
- Richard, who works in Banbury, and travels by bike and train.
- Sam, who uses an e-trike for his window-cleaning business.
- Cherie, who started cycling only a year go: “….my mental health is better. I didn’t realise how big an impact it was going to have on me. I fell in love with the feeling of cycling almost immediately. The sense of freedom is amazing.”
These and many others show how cycling can be one of the fastest, cheapest and healthiest ways to get around the city – and it can be a lot of fun.
The website will be regularly updated. If you come across new resources, have a story to share, or spot any gaps, please get in touch through the website’s contact form.
Finally, it’s not all or nothing. Even a small step can make a difference – to your mood, your wallet, your emissions and your family. Visit Oxford Travel Options, have a try and see how it goes!
Oxford Travel Options was developed by Low Carbon Oxford North in collaboration with Zero Carbon Oxfordshire Partnership, a group of leading Oxfordshire institutions and employers, and with support from Low Carbon Hub and the Foundation for Integrated Transport.
Image credits
Al Kinley-Jones