Traders have raised health and safety concerns regarding proposals to allow two-way cycling on a pedestrianised street in the town centre of Bicester. 

Oxfordshire County Council is asking for the public's opinion on the potential implementation of an Experimental Traffic Regulation Order to trial two-way cycling in Sheep Street.

The consultation closes this Saturday (August 31). 

Currently, cycling is prohibited at all times on Sheep Street - however traders have told the Oxford Mail that cyclists still use Sheep Street despite it being prohibited. 

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The trial would take place in the section of Sheep Street that currently exists as a pedestrian zone, from Market Square to Bell Lane, and if enforced, would trial cycling for up to 18 months.

Numerous traders on Sheep Street told the Oxford Mail that they have concerns regarding health and safety, particularly for elderly people.

John O'Leary, landlord of McCafferty's at the White Hart on Sheep Street, said: "It's definitely a no-go for me - for the simple reason I sit out the front watching everyday and the street is full of elderly people with zimmer frames, mobility scooters and mothers with push chairs.

"I observe bikes up and down the street everyday - it's a disaster.

"From what I've seen myself, my main concern is health and safety.

"At the moment it's not working, it's not going to work in the future.

"The market will be carnage.

"Sheep Street is a pedestrianised street and it should stay that way."

Holly Lewis, who works at Lewis' Butchers on Sheep Street, echoed this.

She said: "We don't need it.

"People will speed along here - when it's busy on a Friday you can't see up the street.

"I think it will be a bit dangerous."

Janette Lee and Angela Stephens, who work at Nash's Bakery on Sheep Street, are both cyclists themselves and also oppose the proposals. 

Ms Lee said: "We all cycle here and we don't think they should [allow the trial] because it's not fair on the old people.

"It's an accident waiting to happen."

Ms Stephens agreed, adding: "There's nothing more frightening than someone coming up behind you.

"There's so many things that need doing in Bicester, it's not a priority."

A spokesperson for Oxfordshire County Council urged those with concerns to log them on the consultation page, which can be found here: https://letstalk.oxfordshire.gov.uk/sheep-street-etro/surveys/survey

They said: "We would urge everyone who wishes to raise an issue to go to the consultation page and log them there, so they can be taken into account during the decision-making process.

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

"Please remember that the scheme being proposed is a trial.

"If it is approved, an additional public consultation will be held for the first six months of its operation.

"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."