Oxford City Council has adopted a policy for cycling that changes from fitting bikes into streets designed for cars to fitting cars into streets designed for bikes. This evolved from the desire to define a complete cycle network for the city. A network has been designed that works for all types of cyclists, from the fastest commuter to the most vulnerable schoolchild. And it isn't expensive. The distinguishing characteristic of the network is that it is made by combining two separate individually complete networks. One network provides fast routes on existing roads. The other network provides safe routes on back streets and cycle tracks, with crossings of main roads. The network is cheap because it takes roadspace away from cars and gives it to bicycles, pedestrians and buses. Providing the cycle network infrastructure is therefore a key part of reducing the impact of motor vehicles on the city. Most of the streets are too narrow to provide full-width cycle lanes and traffic lanes. Instead the best use is made of the space available. Narrow lanes appear to slow traffic down, and reduce cyclist casualties. A cycling-led strategy is therefore likely to be a cheap and effective means of developing a more sustainable transport system.
Abstract