Residents are being asked for their views on plans to allow cycling in a pedestrianised street in Bicester.

Oxfordshire County Council is considering allowing two-way cycling at any time in Sheep Street, from Market Square to Bell Lane, for a trial period of up to 18 months.

Cycling is currently prohibited on the town centre street. 

The council said the aim of the proposals is to increase the number of cycling routes in Bicester, making it more attractive to travel by bike and reducing the reliance on private cars for local journeys.

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The council is asking people to take part in the consultation before August 31. 

To take part in the consultation see the following web link: at https://letstalk.oxfordshire.gov.uk/sheep-street-etro

Councillor Andrew Gant, Oxfordshire County Council’s cabinet member for transport management, said: “The public’s opinion matters greatly in this process.

"By participating in this consultation, residents, businesses and other organisations can help us understand different perspectives, concerns and aspirations when it comes to potentially undertaking a trial allowing cyclists to use Sheep Street.

“We want to hear all views on every aspect of this proposal.”

Conservative councillor Michael Waine said: "It is vital that residents of Bicester and the villages who use the Sheep Street pedestrian precinct, especially on Fridays and other busy days, respond to this consultation giving their views on this proposal.

"This is a last chance to influence the OCC Cabinet Member Andrew Gant in his decision making and let him know the strength of local opinion."

In February Mr Waine and Conservative councillor Donna Ford urged the council to hold a full consultation before beginning a trial.

After the consultation has closed, officers will prepare a report for Mr Gant to make a decision on whether to implement an Experimental Traffic Regulation Order (ETRO) to trial cycling in Sheep Street for a maximum of 18 months. 

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If the trial is approved, through the implementation of an experimental traffic regulation order, an additional public consultation will be held for the first six months of operation for people to give their views on cycling in Sheep Street.

This will enable people to give their views on how the trial is progressing, potentially allowing amendments to be made or ending the trial.

It will also form part of the considerations about whether or not to recommend the scheme be made permanent.

The responses to this second consultation will also be reported to Mr Gant.

He will decide if cycling should be made permanent, this could include cycling at all times, or cycling only at specific times, or it may be decided that cycling should not be permitted.