Cyclists have hit out at the lack of alternative routes after a key city cycle path closed for 10 weeks.

Marston cycle path which links the east of Oxford to the city centre shut on August 14 for essential repair work.

Oxfordshire County Council is refurbishing Lemond and Fignon cycle bridges, which carry Marston cycle path over the River Cherwell, to the south of University Parks.

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One diversion route has been suggested, via Marston Ferry Road, but this adds 3.5 miles onto the journey distance.

Cyclists have raised concerns that they were not granted permission to use a route through University Parks instead.

Chair of Cyclox, Dr Alison Hill said: “This is a vital cycle route for people cycling in from the east and north east of Oxford, providing a safe way into town avoiding the Plain Roundabout. 

Oxford Mail: Marston cycle path closed

“We weren’t alerted to this closure and are very concerned about the implications for people cycling as the county council acknowledges that the route via the Plain is not safe, and the route via Marston Ferry Road adds nearly 3 miles.

“It is important the bridges are upgraded and made safe, but we are saddened that an alternative route through the University Parks has not been agreed.

“Pushing bikes over the rainbow bridge and then south along the Cherwell to the Marston Meadow path seems a simple time-limited ask, that saves time and reduces the risk.”

The two bridges in need of repair have not received significant maintenance work since the cycle path was created more than 30 years ago.

Oxfordshire County Council has said refurbishment is needed now "to avoid the risk of emergency closures in the future.”

 

Oxford City Councillor for Marston Mary Clarkson added: “I’m very disappointed that, after six weeks of discussions with the university, county council and local residents we have been unable to find a safe alternative route across Marston Meadows.

“This is a very busy and well used route into Oxford, linking the hospitals and Oxford Brookes with the city centre and the University.

“It is also an important route for school children.

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“At the beginning of the new school year there is a danger that pupils who might otherwise cycle will be driven to school as the alternatives are seen as too long or too dangerous.”

Councillor Andrew Gant, Oxfordshire County Council’s cabinet member for highway management, said: “The last thing we would want to do is to close a cycle path for any length of time, but we have no choice in this case.

“We appreciate how inconvenient this will be for users so both bridges will be refurbished at the same time to reduce the length of the closure, and we will reopen the cycle path as soon as possible if the work is completed sooner than anticipated.”

The University of Oxford said it is working with the County Council on a potential solution to address concerns.