CTC calls for safer Oxford cycle crossing

By Tony Upfold
Friday, 04 December 2015
Cyclists want the council to provide a safer crossing at this Oxford junction
Nearly 700 cyclists have signed a petition spearheaded by CTC Councillor Graham Smith calling for Oxfordshire County Council to redesign a “potentially lethal” crossing facility for bikes in Oxford.

They are concerned about the potential dangers on Hythe Bridge Street and George Street junction, believing the 'waiting' area in the middle of the crossing is inadequate to cater for the high number of cyclists who want to use it.

Within 36 hours, an impressive total of 690 people added their names to a petition started by Pratima Mitchell and James Young, and uploaded to Change.org by Graham Smith, locally-based CTC Councillor for the South East of England.

The petition is addressed to the Leader of Oxfordshire County Council, Ian Hudspeth, and David Nimmo Smith, Cabinet Member for Environment, ahead of the full council meeting on Tuesday 8 December.

We hope the council listens to our concerns and acts on our suggestions for a safer alternative."

Graham Smith, CTC Councillor for the South East of England

It states: “We request the council to redesign the potentially lethal crossing facility for bikes on Hythe Bridge Street and George Street. There are far too many cyclists to be safely accommodated in the ‘waiting’ area in the middle of the crossing.

“Fast-turning lorries and cars swing round from two directions into Hythe Bridge and miss cyclists by inches. It is also not clear when it is safe for bikes to cross over into George Street.

“Could the council look at alternative ways of keeping safe the hundreds of cyclists who travel from the station and Botley Road to town?

“One solution might be to [have] low-level traffic lights designed for cyclists, giving a few seconds before cars and buses are given the go-ahead. This enables bikes to move...before buses can overtake them.

“The same arrangement could work on the Hythe Bridge Crossing with cyclists crossing over to George Street before four-wheeled traffic starts to flow in three directions.”

Graham Smith said: “The junction in its current state creates a lot of worry and dismay for cyclists, not to mention potential danger. We hope the council listens to our concerns and acts on our suggestions for a safer alternative.”

Designed for Cycling Space for Cycling Cycling UK in England