People walking and cycling in Oxford

Why we like 15-minute neighbourhoods

By Alison Hill and Brenda Boardman

Over the last few decades, people have made fewer and fewer journeys on foot or by bike. Services and amenities have become dispersed, located in places only accessible by car. But the pandemic has resulted in a rethink of how we will live from now on. As home working has become accepted, people are increasingly aware of the value of staying local and not being dependent on cars or infrequent buses for most of their activities.

White silhouette of hedgehog against a background of road at night

Vision Zero for wildlife?

By Natasha Matsaert

Thanks to Cyclox’s campaigning, Oxfordshire County Council has adopted a Vision Zero strategy which aims to eliminate all road deaths and serious injuries. But one category of vulnerable road user is absent from these discussions. Where is the mention of the wildlife that shares our streets?

Van parked across cycle lane and pavement outside Peugot garage

The problem of pavement parking

By Andy Chivers

Here’s a game to play as you make any journey through town. Score 1 point for every car (or van or lorry) parked correctly. Then take off 1 point each time they are parked on the pavement. I score –2 if the vehicle has all four wheels on the pavement or if the pavement is so obstructed it will stop a child’s buggy or a wheelchair getting through. See if your journey ends up with a positive or negative score. Sadly my journeys tend to end in the negative.

Map of Oxpens proposed development

Active travel and the Oxpens development

By Alison Hill

On 20 January the Oxford Mail reported on the new multi-million pound plan for apartments, student accommodation, office space and a hotel at the currently dowdy, unloved, unattractive Oxpens site. OXWED, the joint venture between Nuffield College and Oxford City Council, submitted outline planning application for the site in January, and the consultation closed this week.

Pedal & Post cargo e-bike at depot

No more vans: Wolfson College trials e-bike deliveries

By Sir Tim Hitchens and Katherine Miles

Wolfson College has launched a trial to switch its parcel deliveries from vans to electric bikes. It is partnering with local cargo-bike delivery firm Pedal & Post. Bike deliveries will address the challenge posed by the estimated half a million packages a year received by 20 Oxford colleges alone.