Public commuter routes could be established through Oxford University and the grounds of the city's hospitals to ease traffic congestion, a campaigner has suggested.

The idea has been floated by Richard Parnham, of Reconnecting Oxford, a group campaigning 'for sustainable, data-driven solutions for local transport issues'.

He said: “I think opening up university grounds in particular to cycling and walking is excellent idea, and should be taken forward."

Among his proposals are allowing cyclists through Christ Church Meadow and University Parks where bikes are currently banned. 

Mr Parnham said: "If you build a short section of new path on currently disused land you could get a new traffic-free walking and cycling route all the way from Iffley Village and Rose Hill to the city centre/St Aldates via an extended Meadow Lane and Christ Church Meadow."

Oxford Mail:

Mr Parnham said although there is currently access to university grounds "it can just mean the ability to walk into it the grounds, walk around the grounds, and leave via the same entrance.

"What’s actually needed is for the grounds to become commuter routes, allowing residents to take the most direct route from one location from another.

"On several occasions, the only thing that’s stopping this from happening is locked college gates. The paths themselves are there, but closed off to residents.

"And I think it’s entirely right that the council should put pressure on the university and its colleges enable active travel in the city - especially where all the infrastructure is already in place, and is arguably underused."

Mr Parnham gave a presentation to the county council's cabinet in February but says the idea 'was turned down flat'.

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However, since then it has been praised on Twitter by county councillor Damian Haywood and city councillor Mary Clarkson.

And Oxford City Council's Cabinet Member for Housing Linda Smith has said she "has been talking to the relevant colleagues on this and hope that we’ll be taking these ideas forward as a city council soon".

Andrew Gant, Oxfordshire County Council cabinet member for highways, has told Mr Parnham he is working on his response to the ideas with officers and others.

He told him: "It was quite a wide-ranging proposal and I want to respond properly, so it is taking a little time."

Mr Parnham said: "The council are quite happy to stand up to residents, and force them to change their travelling behaviour.

"Why won’t the council show the same level of determination in relation to the university and its colleges, and force them to change their behaviours?"

A University spokesperson said: "The University is working hard with local partners to improve pedestrian and cycle safety in the city of Oxford. 

"Access for bicycles to the University Parks has been discussed previously, but it is the firm view of the Curators that the main priority is to maintain the University Parks as a peaceful space for everyone to enjoy, and large numbers of people cycling there could endanger other Parks users."

A spokesperson for Christ Church said: “Christ Church wishes to maintain the Meadow as a tranquil space in the heart of Oxford where members of the public can enjoy its rural beauty in peace.”

Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust has been contacted.

 

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This story was written by Miranda Norris, she joined the team in 2021 and covers news across Oxfordshire as well as news from Witney.

Get in touch with her by emailing: Miranda.Norris@newsquest.co.uk. Or find her on Twitter: @Mirandajnorris

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