Bike Week 2023, from 5 to 11 June, is the 100th<\/sup> annual celebration of all things cycling. There are few places better to cycle than Oxfordshire, and cycling groups will be putting on special rides and events across the county.<\/p>\n\n\n\n To celebrate, Oxfordshire Cycling Network and the Coalition for Healthy Streets and Active Travel<\/a> are launching:<\/p>\n\n\n\n The <\/a>family-friendly rides<\/a> are the most accessible, welcoming and safe routes that we can find. We have drawn on the expertise of local cycling groups to give the whole family the chance to enjoy cycling together. \u201cThese are routes where you could take a five- or six-year-old to learn to cycle, and people of all abilities can enjoy a gentle ride\u201d, said Cathy Gaulter of Thame Green Living, who was a contributor to the Phoenix Tr<\/a>ail<\/a> route description.<\/p>\n\n\n\n All these routes are free of motor traffic, although some have road crossings. Most have some point of interest on the ride, and a caf\u00e9 or some other form of refreshment nearby. They are accessible for a large local population, and we indicate railway stations or car parking near the start for those coming from further away.<\/p>\n\n\n\n We would like to see every town, and every part of Oxford, create at least one route where children and people of all abilities can enjoy cycling and develop their skills in safety. The Faringdon Cycle Park<\/a> is a great example of how popular dedicated facilities can be, but they can also form part of routes such as National Cycle Network Route 5<\/a>, heading east of Abingdon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Oxford Online Cycle Map <\/a>has been put together by local residents. It shows connecting cycle routes across the city which are suitable for novice cyclists and people who want to find a walking route away from traffic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Cllr Emily Kerr, who helped design the map, said \u201cThey won\u2019t always be the most direct, but they should be the quietest. It\u2019s on Google Maps so it can be used on your phone. We\u2019ve split routes into car-free, low-car and walking-only, and have added a separate layer including crossings. We\u2019ve aimed to make sure schools and other destinations are connected up, and where there are a number of options, we\u2019ve just chosen the best one so the map doesn\u2019t get too crowded.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cIt\u2019s a great tool for planning a commute, a journey to the shops, or visiting a friend\u201d, said Alison Hill of Cyclox.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n Oxfordshire is a great place to be cycling. Recent data from Sport England\u2019s Active Live<\/a>s survey<\/a> showed that cycling in Oxfordshire had increased from a post-Covid dip.<\/p>\n\n\n\n With these extra ideas to help find your way, it\u2019s a great opportunity to get on your bikes, with your children or friends, and enjoy the ride.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
Family-friendly cycling routes<\/h2>\n\n\n
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<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nOxford Online Cycle Map<\/h2>\n\n\n
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A cycling county<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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