Wootton needs a cycleway to Abingdon. The B4017 had 12 cycle casualties in the last decade: nine slightly injured, two seriously injured and one killed.

Parishioners have wanted a cycleway since the 1980s. One was planned under Oxfordshire’s Local Transport Plan 2001-06. The county spent £52,000 designing it, gave Wootton three options and parishioners chose one estimated at £450,000.

Oxfordshire built other cycleways, including a £375,000 one to Horspath in 2004. But it shelved Wootton’s cycleway, claiming it was unaffordable. However, in 2009 Oxfordshire squandered almost three times its estimated cost on worthless road schemes that did nothing to reduce casualties.

Queen Street had very few casualties but in 2009 Oxfordshire removed its bus stops and many of its buses. This meant re-arranging a total of 24 central Oxford bus stops at a cost of £985,000. 20mph limits throughout Oxford wasted another £233,000 without reducing traffic speeds.

Now campaigners want a £2m cycleway from Eynsham via Farmoor to Botley. Paul Wightman claims the B4044 is a “death trap” and Priscilla Waugh claims “traffic goes far too fast”. Both are false. Since 2006 the B4044 has had a 50mph limit that most motorists obey. It has had only three slight and one serious cycle casualties in ten years and no cycling fatality since 1978.

Cycleways have health and environmental benefits and a Farmoor cycleway would be useful. However, substantial casualty reduction deserves priority. Wootton’s need is substantial and long-standing; Farmoor’s need is far less.

HUGH JAEGER Park Close Oxford