PRESS RELEASE. EMBARGOED UNTIL MONDAY 21ST APRIL 2014
Oxford and national cycling campaign groups launch a vision for cycling for Oxford and call for a leadership agenda and joined up thinking and planning
Cyclox, CTC and Sustrans this week are outlining their vision of a better economy, society and environment and how the provision of better and safer cycling can support this. Cycling already makes a big contribution to the health, economy and environment of Oxford, but its real potential is far greater.
We believe investment in cycling is the most cost efficient way to improve quality of life in the city, and that great benefits could be achieved for little additional cost.
With endorsements from both Conservative and Labour MP’s as well as senior leaders and academics in health and economy there is a call for joined up thinking, where transportation, health, economy, wellbeing and social inclusion are all considered together.
With local and national issues around air quality and obesity, the role of active travel can play an important role. Oxford is already one of the best cities for cycling in the UK, but with cycling at about 17% of all trips we are far behind some of our European neighbours. There is huge suppressed demand as many people don’t feel they – or their children – are safe on the city’s roads.
This vision sets out why cycling is so important, and how we can make progress via a 30+ page study of the benefits of cycling, and a 4 page infographic summary document.
Healthy, prosperous and safe – by bike
We want a future where Oxford is a leading European and global city for learning, innovation, economic growth, tourism and culture, and where the wellbeing of the city is supported by clean air and active travel. We want to see cycling at the heart of that future, enabling everyone to get in, out and about the city freely and safely.
It is achievable, we already have a good base to start from, the resources exist and now is the time for action.
Context
Oxford is acknowledged as one of the few true ‘Cycling Cities’ in the United Kingdom. In 2011, 17% of journeys made to work were by bicycle. But there is an aspiration to go further: for Oxford to become a World Class Cycle City comparable to the great cycling cities of Europe, where cycling is the main means of getting around for the resident population.
The vision is to mainstream cycling by providing a network of direct and joined-up cycle routes that connect people to places and which make existing and potential cyclists feel comfortable and safe, regardless of their cycling experience, age, gender and background. In addition, cycling should support economic growth by improving access to jobs and services, and by helping to reduce traffic, one of the main barriers to further growth across the city.
Contact: Cyclox Chairman: Simon Hunt: 07989869995
Contact: CTC local representative: James Dawton 07871258535
Contact: this press release and for the document: Jake Backus
Quotes and Endorsements for the Cycling Vision: / EndorserBetter cycling provision will encourage lots more people to go by bike. / Rt Hon Andrew Smith MP (Oxford East)
One of the most familiar daily sights in our beautiful city is our cyclists and I am proud that Oxford is a cycle-friendly city. In addition to promoting good health and carbon-reduction, cycling has the welcome effect of reducing the number of cars on our roads. We must, of course, continue to invest in our cycling infrastructure, and I am very pleased to support Oxford’s Vision for Cycling. / Rt Hon Nicola Blackwood MP (Oxford West & Abingdon)
'Cycling regularly is great for your health. People who cycle will benefit from better physical and mental health, reducing incidence of long term conditions such as diabetes and heart disease. It is just as important to focus on the prevention of health problems as on the treatment, which is why I am always happy when my patients cycle. / Dr. Joe McManners, Clinical Chair of Oxfordshire Clinical Commissioning Group
HEALTH SECTION
With well over 1000 students cycling to and from school each day, the health and environmental benefits of this way of traveling, alongside the reduction in car traffic, are very obvious, and we are committed to further support the development of cycling in Oxford. / Paul James
Headteacher, The Cherwell School, The No.1 cycling school in the U.K.with +58% of students, 20 times the national average.
Cycling should be an everyday choice for everyone living and working in Oxford. / Sir Muir Gray
INCLUSION SECTION
Helping more people to choose to cycle will improve health and air quality while congestion and carbon emissions plummet. / Prof William James, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Planning & Resources) Oxford University
AIR QUALITY
'Cycling is a key part of the vision for Oxford as a high-growth, low carbon city of the future. Evidence from cities around the world shows that cycling makes a surprisingly large direct contribution to the local economy as well as helping to lower the carbon emissions of the transport system. And as an added benefit, cycling supports sustainable working practices allowing workers to avoid congestion, work flexibly and maintain healthy working practices / Dr. Barbara Hammond
Director Low Carbon Oxford
ENVIRONMENT
Who is Cyclox?:
Cyclox is the voice of cycling and cyclists in Oxford.
In spite of its good reputation for cycling, Oxford’s facilities fall short of many European cities its size.
Cyclox's objectives are
- Improving cycling infrastructure
- Raising the profile of cycling in Oxford
- Promoting responsible cycling
- Making cycling FUN!
Students, professionals, mechanics, artists, writers, designers, community leaders, stay-at-home mums and dads, scientists, and even a few cycling fanatics are all part of Cyclox.
Who is Sustrans?:
Sustrans is a leading UK charity enabling people to travel by foot, bike or public transport for more of the journeys we make every day.
Sustrans works with communities, policy-makers and partner organisations so that people can choose healthier, cleaner and cheaper journeys and enjoy better, safer spaces to live in. All over the UK, we make a positive difference to people's lives.
We help people think about andchange the travel choicesthey make. Throughour workto create better walking and cycling links, including the National Cycle Network, we're providing the space to make sure sustainable travel is not just a choice: it's the most obvious and convenient option.
And we havea vision:
By 2020 we want4 out of 5 local journeysto be made by bike, foot or public transport. That's double the current figure. It's a big challenge.
Who is CTC?:
CTC, the national cycling charity, inspires and helps people to cycle and keep cycling.
We work to protect and promote cycling to create a healthier, cleaner world, now and for the future. We want the UK to be a place where it’s easy and safe for people of all ages to cycle, whatever their ability, background or income. We believe that cycling is more than just transport; it makes you feel good, gives you a sense of freedom and creates a better environment for everyone.
We encourage all types of cycling, on the road or off it. We support you if you already ride, or would like to ride, to work or school, for health, touring, sport and leisure – or just because it’s fun.
We’ve been working for cycling for over a century. Nationally and locally, we use our knowledge to influence decision makers and help people discover how cycling can change lives.
- We provide expert, practical help and advice.
- We support individuals and communities.
- We protect cyclists’ interests.
- We campaign to make cycling mainstream and to remove the things that stop people cycling.
- We help people develop the confidence and skills to cycle.
- We promote the benefits of cycling to individuals, to society and to the economy.
CTC is an independent charity, and relies on 70,000 members, volunteers, grant funders and partners for support. Without them, we would not be able to do our vital work in communities inspiring hundreds of thousands of people across the UK to cycle.