'Wrong way' cycle lanes given thumbs-up

From the archive, first published Wednesday 14th Feb 2001.

Controversial plans for two-way cycling in two one-way streets in Oxford have been given the go-ahead.

And officers are investigating whether to impose a 20mph speed limit on the routes to improve safety.

Contraflow cycle lanes are to be created in one-way sections of Kennett Road and New High Street, Headington, to make it easier for cyclists travelling between Headington shops and the hospitals south of London Road.

Members of the city highways committee voted to allow the scheme, on condition that officers carry out a safety assessment and agree the scheme is safe.

An officers' report said: "Experience in Oxford and elsewhere suggests that two-way cycling can be allowed in one-way streets without danger."

The issue has divided residents. Of the 20 people who wrote to the council about Kennett Road, nine were against and 11 were in favour of the plans.

Committee chairman Jean Fooks said: "We are going ahead with this because the councillor for the area, George Kershaw, is happy with it.

"I have asked for officers to look at having a 20mph speed limit and I hope that will be followed up."

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