AN MP donned his high-vis jacket and cycling helmet to help campaigners in their long-running bid for a new cycle path.

Robert Courts, MP for Witney, was part of a convoy of cyclists along the B4044 on Friday so he could be shown campaigners' misgivings about the lack of a cycle and pedestrian path between Botley and Eynsham.

He was joined by 50 residents, many members of the B4044 Cycle Campaign, which has raised more than £100,000 to put an application together to Oxfordshire County Council for the path.

Mr Courts said: "I greatly appreciated the opportunity to cycle the B4044.

"I am a keen cyclist and used to cycle into Oxford regularly for work, so I understand the concerns raised by Bike Safe and the benefits of their plan, which is a good example of a beneficial cycle path.

"I am a big advocate of cycling, both due the great effect it has on your health and as a great way to avoid and ease congestion.

"I will be working with all colleagues on this, looking closely at how to create more cycle paths in and around West Oxfordshire."

Campaigner John Blackie, who lives in Cumnor, has raised thousands for the campaign after he took part in three 62-mile bike rides across London.

The 70-year-old said Mr Courts' visit went 'brilliantly' and that it was clear he understood the group's concerns.

He said: "It was terrific, better than what we hoped for considering it was snowing.

"And it was great because Mr Courts is a cyclist, so he understands where we are coming from and why we are so desperate for this cycle path to happen.

"He said he used to cycle into Oxford everyday where he had his law firm.

"We really hope his support will help us get further to realising this path, as people are desperate for it to happen - we wouldn't have raised £100,000 if we were not serious about it."

Chairman of Bike Safe Ian Leggett said Mr Courts' visit had been promising for the campaign.

He added: "With plans currently being consulted on to remove one of the cycle lanes on the A40 and turn it into a bus lane, we want to appeal to the county council and suggest that a cycle lane on the B4044 would be a suitable replacement if those are approved.

"We are continuing to campaign for this much needed path and it was great for Mr Courts to hear our argument."

A public consultation for major transport development plans on the A40 between Witney and Oxford concluded last week.

For more information visit: oxfordshire.gov.uk