Work to restore city to its role as cycling capital

Dear newly-elected councillor - first of all, congratulations!  Being a local politician is a pretty thankless task.  Budgets are tighter and demands greater.  The district/county split is confusing and unhelpful.  We understand that - and we'd like to work with you.

Let’s talk about cycling. You know the stuff about how great it is for economic growth, health, inclusion, clean air, carbon reduction… (if not, stop reading now and check out the Cycletopia vision on the home page of Cyclox).

So the question is, how can we actually improve things in practice, in your ward, on the streets by your house, for the people who voted for you (and those you want to vote for you next time)?

Segregated cycle routes are top of my personal list. I just want a reasonable share of the road, enough for me and my little daughter to cycle safely to the nursery or the shops without being scared of motor traffic. These routes really help people who are too nervous to cycle in traffic to take up cycling, boosting health, reducing congestion and improving our environment.

Both you and I will spend a lot of time on planning consultations. Please push a little harder on each one to ensure that people can get to new houses, stations and shopping centres, on foot or by bike safely and easily.

Funding is critical: the Department for Transport says that 'for every £1 of public money spent, the funded (cycling infrastructure) schemes provide £5.50 worth of social benefit'.

So please lobby for more cycling infrastructure. And can you start now by ensuring that, of the money already at your disposal – however squeezed it is – more of it goes towards cycling?

Maintaining our existing roads and paths is also vital. It would be lovely if every route were smooth as a cucumber! But at least could you make sure the worst craters (pot holes) in your area are repaired promptly and durably?

One of the great things about cycling is avoiding the stress and cost of parking a car. We just need some modest investment – and your political will – to make bike parking better. Perhaps you could commit to installing even just a couple of new bike stands in the most useful location in your ward?

 As well as all this practical stuff, feel free to think big! What can you personally do to help restore Oxford as the cycling capital of the country?

In fairness, you could request something back. The likes of Cyclox can and will do more to reach out to you as a politician, to better understand your needs and challenges. Our first politicians’ bike ride takes place next month – come along, and you can tell us in person how we can help you.

Congratulations again. You now have the opportunity make a real difference for the people of your ward – and we want to work with you to achieve that. Now, please, let’s talk!