The Oxfordshire County Council has taken significant steps toward altering the cycling regulations on Sheep Street in Bicester, drawing mixed reactions from residents and local business owners. The proposed changes would lift the current cycling ban, allowing two-way cycling at all times, marking the end of restrictions aimed at improving accessibility and promoting alternative travel methods.
Plans are set for approval during the Delegated Decisions by Cabinet Member for Transport Management meeting on Thursday, November 14. If the decision is made to implement this change, it will be enacted under the Experimental Traffic Regulation Order. Such orders are often used to trial new transportation measures, allowing councils to assess the impact before making any long-term commitments.
Andrew Gant, the cabinet member for transport management, is recommending the approval of this initiative, aiming to make Sheep Street more accessible to cyclists.\" Continual reviews of safety are planned, with provisions for halting the trial should any significant pedestrian safety concerns arise. This proactive strategy indicates the council's awareness of existing fears surrounding pedestrian safety as cycling is integrated back onto the street.
Under the current regulations, cycling is outright forbidden on Sheep Street, which has been designated primarily as pedestrian territory. The council previously encouraged public participation for input on allowing two-way cycling through consultations, which concluded on August 31. Following these discussions, the council will host another public consultation once the trial period begins, gathering feedback for the initial six months.
The feedback from this subsequent consultation will influence the final ruling on establishing cycling on Sheep Street permanently, guiding decisions on whether cycling will be allowed at all times, only during certain hours, or if the ban will be reinstated altogether.
Business owners on Sheep Street have voiced their concerns about the proposed changes. John O'Leary, the landlord of McCafferty's at the White Hart, expressed apprehensions about the safety of elderly patrons and those using mobility aids. He noted, \"The street is full of elderly people with zimmer frames, mobility scooters, and mothers with push chairs. From what I've seen, my main concern is health and safety.\" His remarks echo the sentiments of many who cherish Sheep Street's current status as primarily pedestrian-friendly.
Similarly, Holly Lewis, who works at Lewis' Butchers on the street, strongly disagrees with the decision, saying, \"We don't need it. People will speed along here – when it's busy on a Friday, you can't see up the street. I think it will be dangerous. Sheep Street is a pedestrianised street, and it should stay this way.\"
While various businesses exhibit concerns, not all locals share the same views. Janette Lee, who works at Nash’s Bakery and happens to be a cyclist herself, argues for the necessity of accommodating cyclists. She suggests, \"Cycling responsibly along the street would be relatively low risk, particularly as there is space, and it would provide a safe route considering there are no alternative routes with safe cycling provisions.\" She highlights the National Cycle Network route 51, pointing to the existing cycling infrastructure and its importance for local cyclists.
Pedestrian safety remains at the forefront of discussions. Residents remain divided over how the increased cycling traffic might impact daily life on Sheep Street. Some worry about accidents involving cyclists and pedestrians. A local cyclist who preferred to remain anonymous stated, \"I can't understand the logic of this decision. People ride down there anyway, but who is going to have the right of way?\" This question reflects prevalent uncertainties about how cyclists and pedestrians will coexist on what has historically been viewed as pedestrian terrain.
The Oxfordshire County Council has maintained its stance, asserting the initiative aims to promote more active travel options within Bicester as cycling is encouraged as part of sustainable and healthy transport solutions. They cite the necessity of increasing access to promote safety and convenience for cyclists, especially with the rise of cycling's popularity.
The upcoming discussions will only add to what has proven to be a contentious topic among community members. While some see the potential for vibrant, active streets with the presence of cyclists mixing with pedestrians, others remain resolute in their apprehension about safety and community integrity. The scheduled approval meeting could clear the way for new traffic dynamics within the town center, setting the stage for either the acceptance of cyclists on this formerly exclusive walking street or returning to the hands-off approach favored by some.
The outcome of this trial will undoubtedly shape how local authorities approach transport policy moving forward as they balance the needs of cyclists with those of pedestrians.
