Cycle fears (From The Oxford Times)

Cycle fears

8:50am Thursday 29th March 2012 in Leader

News that the Botley Road, Oxford, had been listed as one of the most dangerous roads in Britain for cyclists raised a few eyebrows in this office.

But then it became clear that this dubious tag had been gleaned from the perception of cyclists who use the road themselves, rather than bald accident figures.

Those statistics — 44 collisions involving cyclists, cars and pedestrians in the past three years — are bad enough, but it is beyond doubt that Botley Road does not feel like a particularly safe place to ride a bicycle.

True there are dedicated cycle paths, in parts, but some of these turn into confusing ‘shared use’ tracks and then there is the decidedly unpleasant passage under the narrow railway bridge.

At least there is the prospect of some relief for cyclists in the proposed revamp of Frideswide Square. Work is due to start on a £3.7m scheme, hopefully as early as next year, which should hopefully help to move the Botley Road down this unpleasant league table.