OXFORDSHIRE is set to get a slice of a £200 million investment from Government, into walking and cycling schemes.

New cycle routes will be created in the county, in addition to improvements to quietways, which differ to quickways.

Quietways are cycle routes, with similar principles to quickways, but follow routes with less traffic and are less direct.

READ ALSO: Anonymous donor funds foundation year for disadvantaged students

The Government’s executive agency Active Travel England, launched in January, will oversee the rollout of 134 schemes across 19 local authorities – costing £161 million.

In addition to those initiatives, Oxfordshire will also see ‘mini Holland’ feasibility studies, to assess how areas could be as pedestrian and cycle-friendly as cities in the Netherlands.

Transport minister Trudy Harrison said: “This multimillion pound investment will ensure people right across the country can access cheap, healthy and zero emission travel.

“Active Travel England will be working hard to create a new golden age of walking and cycling, enabling everyone to reap the benefits of a more active lifestyle, creating streets where children can play, and making nicer places to live.”

READ MORE: Oxpens car park to close for three months from next week

Active Travel England commissioner Chris Boardman added: “This is all about enabling people to leave their cars at home and enjoy local journeys on foot or by bike.

“Active Travel England is going to make sure high-quality spaces for cycling, wheeling and walking are delivered across all parts of England, creating better streets, a happier school run and healthier, more pleasant journeys to work and the shops.”

Read more from this author

This story was written by Liam Rice, he joined the team in 2019 as a multimedia reporter.

Liam covers politics, travel and transport. He occasionally covers Oxford United.

Get in touch with him by emailing: Liam.rice@newsquest.co.uk

Follow him on Twitter @OxMailLiamRice