PRESS RELEASE. EMBARGOED UNTIL MONDAY 21ST APRIL 2014
Oxford and national cycling campaign groups launch a vision for cycling for Oxford and call
for a leadership agenda and joined up thinking and planning
Cyclox, CTC and Sustrans this week are outlining their vision of a better economy, society
and environment and how the provision of better and safer cycling can support this. Cycling
already makes a big contribution to the health, economy and environment of Oxford, but its
real potential is far greater.
We believe investment in cycling is the most cost efficient way to improve quality of life in
the city, and that great benefits could be achieved for little additional cost.
With endorsements from both Conservative and Labour MP’s as well as senior leaders and
academics in health and economy there is a call for joined up thinking, where
transportation, health, economy, wellbeing and social inclusion are all considered together.
With local and national issues around air quality and obesity, the role of active travel can
play an important role. Oxford is already one of the best cities for cycling in the UK, but with
cycling at about 17% of all trips we are far behind some of our European neighbours. There
is huge suppressed demand as many people don’t feel they – or their children – are safe on
the city’s roads.
This vision sets out why cycling is so important, and how we can make progress via a 30+
page study of the benefits of cycling, and a 4 page infographic summary document.
Healthy, prosperous and safe – by bike
We want a future where Oxford is a leading European and global city for learning,
innovation, economic growth, tourism and culture, and where the wellbeing of the city is
supported by clean air and active travel. We want to see cycling at the heart of that future,
enabling everyone to get in, out and about the city freely and safely.
It is achievable, we already have a good base to start from, the resources exist and now is
the time for action.
Context
Oxford is acknowledged as one of the few true ‘Cycling Cities’ in the United Kingdom. In
2011, 17% of journeys made to work were by bicycle. But there is an aspiration to go
further: for Oxford to become a World Class Cycle City comparable to the great cycling cities
of Europe, where cycling is the main means of getting around for the resident population.
The vision is to mainstream cycling by providing a network of direct and joined-up cycle
routes that connect people to places and which make existing and potential cyclists feel
comfortable and safe, regardless of their cycling experience, age, gender and background. In
addition, cycling should support economic growth by improving access to jobs and services,
and by helping to reduce traffic, one of the main barriers to further growth across the city.
Contact: Cyclox Chairman: Simon Hunt: 07989869995
Contact: CTC local representative: James Dawton 07871258535
Contact: this press release and for the document: Jake Backus jake.backus@ntlworld.com
Quotes and Endorsements for the Cycling Vision:
Better cycling provision will encourage lots more people
to go by bike.
Endorser
Rt Hon Andrew Smith MP (Oxford East)
One of the most familiar daily sights in our beautiful
city is our cyclists and I am proud that Oxford is a
cycle-friendly city. In addition to promoting good
health and carbon-reduction, cycling has the
welcome effect of reducing the number of cars on
our roads. We must, of course, continue to invest in
our cycling infrastructure, and I am very pleased to
support Oxford’s Vision for Cycling.
Rt Hon Nicola Blackwood MP (Oxford
West & Abingdon)
'Cycling regularly is great for your health. People who
cycle will benefit from better physical and mental health,
reducing incidence of long term conditions such as
diabetes and heart disease. It is just as important to
focus on the prevention of health problems as on the
treatment, which is why I am always happy when my
patients cycle.
With well over 1000 students cycling to and from school
each day, the health and environmental benefits of this
way of traveling, alongside the reduction in car traffic,
are very obvious, and we are committed to further
support the development of cycling in Oxford.
Cycling should be an everyday choice for everyone living
and working in Oxford.
Dr. Joe McManners, Clinical Chair of
Oxfordshire Clinical Commissioning
Group
Helping more people to choose to cycle will improve
health and air quality while congestion and carbon
emissions plummet.
'Cycling is a key part of the vision for Oxford as a highgrowth, low carbon city of the future. Evidence from
cities around the world shows that cycling makes a
surprisingly large direct contribution to the local
economy as well as helping to lower the carbon
emissions of the transport system. And as an added
benefit, cycling supports sustainable working practices
allowing workers to avoid congestion, work flexibly and
maintain healthy working practices
HEALTH SECTION
Paul James
Headteacher, The Cherwell School, The
No.1 cycling school in the U.K.with
+58% of students, 20 times the national
average.
Sir Muir Gray
INCLUSION SECTION
Prof William James, Pro-Vice-Chancellor
(Planning & Resources) Oxford
University
AIR QUALITY
Dr. Barbara Hammond
Director Low Carbon Oxford
ENVIRONMENT
Who is Cyclox?:
http://www.cyclox.org/
Cyclox is the voice of cycling and cyclists in Oxford.
In spite of its good reputation for cycling, Oxford’s facilities fall short of many European cities its size.
Cyclox's objectives are
 Improving cycling infrastructure
 Raising the profile of cycling in Oxford
 Promoting responsible cycling
 Making cycling FUN!
Students, professionals, mechanics, artists, writers, designers, community leaders, stay-at-home
mums and dads, scientists, and even a few cycling fanatics are all part of Cyclox.
Who is Sustrans?:
http://www.sustrans.org.uk/
Sustrans is a leading UK charity enabling people to travel by foot, bike or public transport for more of
the journeys we make every day.
Sustrans works with communities, policy-makers and partner organisations so that people can
choose healthier, cleaner and cheaper journeys and enjoy better, safer spaces to live in. All over the
UK, we make a positive difference to people's lives.
We help people think about and change the travel choices they make. Through our work to create
better walking and cycling links, including the National Cycle Network, we're providing the space to
make sure sustainable travel is not just a choice: it's the most obvious and convenient option.
And we have a vision:
By 2020 we want 4 out of 5 local journeys to be made by bike, foot or public transport. That's
double the current figure. It's a big challenge.
Who is CTC?:
CTC, the national cycling charity, inspires and helps people to cycle and keep cycling.
We work to protect and promote cycling to create a healthier, cleaner world, now and for the
future. We want the UK to be a place where it’s easy and safe for people of all ages to cycle,
whatever their ability, background or income. We believe that cycling is more than just transport; it
makes you feel good, gives you a sense of freedom and creates a better environment for everyone.
We encourage all types of cycling, on the road or off it. We support you if you already ride, or would
like to ride, to work or school, for health, touring, sport and leisure – or just because it’s fun.
We’ve been working for cycling for over a century. Nationally and locally, we use our knowledge to
influence decision makers and help people discover how cycling can change lives.
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We provide expert, practical help and advice.
We support individuals and communities.
We protect cyclists’ interests.
We campaign to make cycling mainstream and to remove the things that stop people
cycling.
We help people develop the confidence and skills to cycle.
We promote the benefits of cycling to individuals, to society and to the economy.
CTC is an independent charity, and relies on 70,000 members, volunteers, grant funders and
partners for support. Without them, we would not be able to do our vital work in communities
inspiring hundreds of thousands of people across the UK to cycle.