Oxford to allow cycling in parks for first time in 25 years

City councillors gave their backing to the proposal, in line with officers' recommendations to amend the cycling byelaws during a full council meeting at the Town Hall on Monday night.

But Labour Oxford City Council leader Susan Brown described the idea of installing CCTV cameras for enforcement as "absolutely ridiculous" after questions from the opposition.

These changes will allow cyclists to ride through areas of leisure owned by the council across the city such as Shotover Country Park.

Bury Knowle Park in Headington. (Image: Richard Cave)

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There remains a prohibition on cycling in the University Parks however as this does not fall under the responsibility of the council.

Speaking out at the meeting, cabinet member for a healthy Oxford, Chewe Munkonge, said: "We've consulted widely as you can see from the report.

"It has resulted in more than 500 online responses.

Chewe Munkonge. (Image: Oxford City Council.)

"I consider this one of the most successful consultations that I've come across in this council."

The proposal was seconded by council leader Susan Brown.

Liberal Democrat group leader Dr Chris Smowton said: "I shall support this in the end as the vast majority is good stuff worth doing."

But Dr Smowton added he would have "liked to have amended this item to reflect my ward residents' wish that our paths and parks should prioritise the pedestrian".

Chris Smowton. (Image: Other.)
He asked why there wasn't an additional consultation on which parks should be picked and chosen to prioritise pedestrians.

Independent Oxford Alliance (IOA) councillor David Henwood said he would be supporting the report but had a "few reservations" such as wanting to see added protection against tree climbing during "nesting season".

Responding to Dr Smowton, Ms Brown said: "It could be an endless consultation if every time a suggestion was made you then went out to re-consult."

Susan Brown. (Image: Oxford City Council.)

Independent councillor Saj Malik and Liberal Democrat councillor Roz Smith both raised concerns about law enforcement.

Mr Malik, of the Temple Cowley ward, said: "How are we going to enforce this (cyclists following rules in parks)?

"Are you just going to rely on the public to complain and then you go back?"

Ms Smith, of the Quarry & Risinghurst ward, added: "I'm just a bit puzzled by our leaders' response with regard to monitoring of the new byelaw.

Roz Smith. (Image: Other.)

"Would the council consider putting in place cameras?"

Ms Brown said in response: "I think the idea we'd be installing cameras in our parks is completely ridiculous - we couldn't possibly do that.

"I always advise people to report anything that is anti-social through proper procedures."

She added it was an "entirely speculative question".

Full council. (Image: Oxford City Council.)

All councillors voted in favour of the report though there were two abstentions from IOA councillors - Mr Henwood being the exception.

Hinksey Park, Lye Valley Nature Reserve and Trap Grounds Nature Reserve will retain the cycling ban in light of responses to a consultation.

This consultation also suggested "a majority supported lifting the blanket ban on cycling in parks".

The amendment marks the first update to the byelaws in 25 years.

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About the author

Noor is the Local Democracy Reporter for Oxfordshire who covers political stories from across the county. 

She began working as a journalist in Oxford in September 2023 having graduated from the University of Oxford.

Noor was trained at the News Associates journalism school and can be found on X through the handle @NoorJQurashi