MORE than 100 new cycle parking spaces have been created at two of Oxford’s park and rides.

Oxford City Council said its “park and pedal” scheme would allow people to cycle to Redbridge or Seacourt park and rides before getting a bus, or to park their cars at the sites and cycle onwards.

It has installed 70 cycle parking spaces at Redbridge Park and Ride and 40 spaces at Seacourt Park and Ride at a cost of about £68,000.

Alex Hollingsworth, city council executive board member for planning and transport, said: “It is about offering new ways of getting in and out of the city that works for people.

“Sometimes commuters live further out from Oxford than is comfortable to cycle, so rather than assuming that everyone wants to travel here in the same way providing this parking allows us to have a mix.”

Mr Hollingsworth said that the council would also be keen to press for rental bikes to be available at the park and rides eventually.

He added: “We have seen the success of schemes like the Boris bikes in London so we are aware of rentals as an option.

“It would be likely to require a sponsorship element, but it is certainly something we would want to keep looking at. If someone comes forward, it would be worth providing.”

Facilities installed include “streetpods”, police-approved racks that secure the bike frame and wheels, “car bike ports” which have a frame that is designed to look like a car, and “green roof” cycle shelters, which have sedum and wild flower roofs to help pollinating insects and hold water to stop flooding.

The lock-ups are also monitored by CCTV.

It is part of a three-year city council scheme to improve cycling in Oxford.

The £367,000 project has also included upgrades to cycle paths in Jericho, Hinksey Park and Meadow Lane as well as new signage in Headington directing cyclist to cycle-friendly routes. Cycle training for inexperienced cyclists has also been provided and barriers on the cycling network have been removed. The opening of the new cycle spaces yesterday was welcomed by Jericho and Osney city councillor Susanna Pressel, who added: “I hope Seacourt Park and Ride will continue to be well used and that traffic along Botley Road will reduce as a result.”

Simon Hunt, chairman of city cycling group Cyclox, said the “park and pedal” scheme had proved successful in other cities.

He said: “With these new facilities the park and ride can be used more as an interchange, with motorists now able to get on a bike and not just get a bus. It is a very good idea that has been successful in other areas and we support it.”

BUS FARES

Commuters parking at either Redbridge or Seacourt Park & Rides and then using the bus will have to pay £1.80 for a single journey into Oxford or £2.80 for a return. 

That will be on top of the £2 parking charge for 24 hours or £10 for seven days.