Oxfordshire's best beginner cycle routes shown on new map

Cycling UK Oxfordshire has launched the Oxfordshire Online Cycling Map to mark the 100th anniversary of its presence in the county.

Approximately 60 experienced cyclists and campaign groups from across the county created the map.

It is aimed to aid less confident, novice, and young cyclists in safely navigating their towns, villages, and communities, while also suggesting possible routes for more proficient cyclists.

A screenshot of the map showing the routes around Didcot (Image: Cycling UK)

Robin Tucker, secretary of Cycling UK Oxfordshire, said: "We’re delighted to launch this map in time for the school holidays.

"We hope it will help people cycle more confidently around the county.

"We know that a key reason people don’t cycle more is fear of traffic, so this map aims to include the quietest and safest routes, even if they’re not the most direct.

"It’s a crowd-sourced map so we’ll be updating it annually and are planning an update in September - we welcome all contributions.

“It’s been great to have the cycling experience of our members in compiling this map.

"Next month, part of our celebrations is a 100-mile ‘century ride’ that will take in many of these routes.”

The map builds on the success of a smaller crowd-sourced map previously launched in Oxford, which has received more than 230,000 views to date.

Covering 15 of the 20 most populous towns and villages in Oxfordshire, it includes locations from Abingdon to Witney.

An update planned for before the start of the new school year in September will expand the coverage to include Thame and Eynsham.

Many of the routes contain notes from other cyclists, explaining that a certain route might be good in summer but muddy in winter, or comfortable at weekends but busy during the week.

Andrea Powell, who worked on routes around Benson and Wallingford, said: "As the 'Cycling Champion' for South Oxfordshire District Council, I found this a really fun project to be involved with.

"I’m an experienced cyclist but I don’t always feel safe on the roads, and I live near Wallingford which is a lot more rural than Oxford.

"We know that there aren’t always safe rural routes, but mapping my local area made me realise that there are more than I thought - and I really hope the map encourages more people to give cycling a go if they live near safe routes."

Cycling UK is a national charity which has active groups in Oxford, Wallingford and Wantage, as well as several affiliated groups across the county.