Cyclists who have had to endure a bumpy ride for many years may soon have a smoother journey.

Plans to resurface a heavily-used section of cycle track between Marston and Oxford city centre have come a step closer as preparations are made for the arrival of thousands of extra workers in Headington.

Oxfordshire County Council wants to sort out the path between Ferry Road and South Parks Road, which runs along the edge of University Parks, in time for the move of more than 12,000 NHS staff from the Radcliffe Infirmary to the hospitals in Headington.

The loose gravel surface of the short cut has long been full of potholes, but transport planners hope a smooth ride will persuade more people to get on their bikes and avoid gridlock on the roads.

Craig Rossington, senior transport planner at Oxfordshire County Council, said the track needed a significant overhaul. He said: "One of the reasons that we are trying to promote this route is because it is a fairly strategic route for getting people not only to Marston, but also to Headington. It works as it is but it is not very comfortable to cycle on, so we have been trying to find money to bring about improvements."

The county council has the approval of Oxford University, which owns the land, and hopes to use developer contributions to pay for the improvements.

Mr Rossington said: "I would like to get it sorted out before the winter."

Marston city councillor Mary Clarkson uses the path on an almost daily basis and, along with many people in her ward, has been waiting for the path's surface to be upgraded.

She said: "There are hundreds of people using it in both directions every day.

"The university has now said that it is happy to have it upgraded and the county council is doing some costings and looking into it.

"If it is necessary, I will ask the city council to chip in."