Oxfordshire County Council is considering giving cyclists access to Sheep Street in Bicester which has been a pedestrianised zone in the conservation area of the town centre for around three decades.
Conservative county councillors for Bicester North and Bicester Town, Donna Ford and Michael Waine, had urged the council to hold a full consultation before agreeing an 18-month experimental period.
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But the chairwoman of the Bicester Bike Users Group believes Sheep Street is designed to accommodate cyclists as well as pedestrians.
Catherine Hickman said: “Bicester Bike Users Group fully supports lifting the ban on cycling in Sheep Street as a trial experimental measure.
“If we don’t give it a go, it’s hard to know how well it will work.
“We feel that many of the concerns raised will prove unfounded.
“Sheep Street is an extremely spacious street with a clearly defined central ‘road’ area and ample pavements.
“For much of the week the footfall is very light.
“Accidents involving bikes are rare and relatively low risk generally, but Sheep Street’s layout provides ample space for all users to circulate in safety.”
Rachel Mallows, Liberal Democrat town councillor, added: “I am not sure what benefit a consultation would achieve as the small minority of cyclists who do not respect the safety of others would probably ignore the outcome regardless.”
A worker at the post office in Sheep Street, who did not wish to be named, said: “Allowing cyclists could be a very bad thing depending on the type of cyclists.
“I don’t think it will just be normal cyclists.
“Young people may take more advantage of it who often follow BMX trends such as biking on one wheel.
“I think it would be a bit of a nuisance if I’m honest.”
Oxfordshire County Council is carrying out an initial consultation with stakeholders to inform a formal decision about whether to implement an Experimental Traffic Order (ETO) to allow for two-way cycling on Sheep Street.
There would be an 18-month trial period were the ETO implemented.
Independent town councillor Les Sibley said: “They’d be doing a trial during the summer season which is probably the busiest time.
“The town centre will be packed.
“I think safety is the number one issue.”
Green town councillor, Damien Maguire, said: “If I have to be binary about this and we are serious about getting to net zero then encouraging active travel seems to be something that would support more cyclists.
“With care, Sheep Street could easily accommodate both pedestrians and cyclists.”