A proposed major new cycle route linking Botley with Oxford city centre has met a mixed response -- although a cycle campaign group says it welcomes it.

Public reaction to the first phase of the scheme was distinctly muted, with only five per cent of the 445 homes consulted bothering to respond.

According to Oxford City Council, whose built environment business group is promoting the scheme, other specialist groups, the Ramblers' Association, police and fire service, were also consulted but "hardly any" bothered to send in their views.

But James Styring, chairman of cyclists' campaign group Cyclox, said cyclists would be glad of the new route particularly as it would mean they could avoid travelling under the Botley Road railway bridge -- an accident blackspot for cyclists where the group has long been calling for improvements.

"It is particularly dangerous and unpleasant to cycle under there and the county council for the last two years has basically refused to do anything about it," Mr Styring said.

"I think in general the new route will be welcomed and will be well used."

Phase one of the planned route runs from Lamarsh Road to Ferry Hinksey Road, which leads to the Osney Mead industrial estate.

The second phase would start from the Minns Business Park at the far end of Botley Road, and run along the back of Argos, Jewson's and Kingerlee-owned land to join the first phase in King George's Field.

Phase three is planned to start from the crossing in Ferry Hinksey Road, and run through the existing cycle lane route around the perimeter of West Oxford primary school, and onto Osney Island. From here, the city council hopes to secure a route through Osney into the city centre from future planning applications.

The route will be lit to enable it to be used all year round.

A council spokesman said: "This cycle link will be constructed in three phases, with phase one being carried out this year.

"Every phase will be consulted before it goes to the area committee for discussion, and a decision will be made at each stage."