Oxfordshire County Council operates the cycle path on land leased from the University, to provide cyclists with a safe off-road route linking central Oxford to Marston and Headington. It needed to close the route this summer while repairs took place on two bridges (known as Fignon and Lemond) that it crosses, to ensure they remained safe.
The closure was initially expected to continue until late October, but unexpectedly fast progress meant the path could reopen two weeks early.
During the closure, the University worked with County and City Councils to make an alternative route available, with cyclists allowed to wheel their bikes through the University Parks and across the High Bridge along a marshalled route at designated times of day. The aim was to provide a safe off-road route for children going to and from school.
This successful collaboration has now come to an end with the reopening of the dedicated cycle path, meaning cycles are now once again not permitted in the University Parks, even if they are not being ridden. This makes the paths within the Parks both safer and more pleasant for pedestrians, and there is an off-road route around the outside of the Parks for cyclists.
