A NEW cycling panel has been set up to decide what to do with an unallocated £50,000 of council cash.

Oxford City Council’s newly formed group will ask experts and campaign groups, such as local pressure group Cyclox and the national cycling charity Sustrans, for projects.

The council has allocated all of its £367,000 Cycle City plan for 2012-2016, but the most recent budget also earmarked £50,000 for further improvements in 2016/17.

The council only has the authority to carry out improvements that do not need Oxfordshire County Council’s approval.

Chairman of campaign group Cyclox Simon Hunt said: “It’ll be a great chance to take a broad view where funding is being spent and how to drive through certain schemes.

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“There are lots of improvements within the city council’s powers that could be done.”

The original Cycle City plan saw improved signposting on the route from Thornhill Park and Ride to the city centre and Mr Hunt wants more of the same.

He said: “I would imagine that some people in North Oxford will use Banbury and Woodstock Road and fight the traffic to get to the train station, but with better signage they could be made aware of a route down the canal.

“Now that the Aristotle Lane and Walton Well canal path has been upgraded it would be a good way to get to West Oxford.”

Cecilia Fry, a volunteer at Sustrans, said: “I’m glad we are being asked for our opinions – it’s the best way to make sure the money is spent well.

“Something like the recent repainting of the Marston Ferry Road leaps to mind. The cycle lanes near Cherwell School and the route beneath the underpass are now much clearer for cyclists “A lot of places where there are underpasses or bridges and there are conflicts, should be repainted.”

The East Oxford resident said the money should be spent on improved signage and that a little-known safer route between East Oxford and the city centre, weaving between Cowley and Iffley Road, should be flagged up.

The panel will also come up with a wish list for possible investments going beyond next year’s £50,000 allocation. City council board member for transport John Tanner said: “Because we have the opportunity to discuss with the county council the Oxford Transport Strategy, now is the time to push for a proper cycling city.

“The panel’s job will be to press me to do more for cycling in the city and present me with potential ideas I may not have thought of.”

City councillor Susanna Pressel, who is on the panel urged members of the public to come up with suggestions for ideas the council could adopt.