CYCLISTS are calling on the county council to sort out road markings in Oxford which have left them bamboozled.

The city council is planning to invest more than £800,000 to improve the city’s cycling infrastructure.

But residents want confusing markings on an existing shared-use pavement at Old Road in Headington, which they say are a safety hazard, re-marked as a priority by the county highways department.

Wood Farm resident Roger Jenking said: “Last year signs were painted to show cyclists where to leave the pavement, which is now officially shared use.

“Unfortunately, there’s no sign to show where cyclists can join it. Neither are there any shared-use signs to show that the pavement is shared use.

“Cyclists don’t know whether they are authorised to use the pavement and pedestrians are not warned of cyclists.

“It’s a good example of a simple change which could be very beneficial.”

The area’s county councillor, Roz Smith, said pedestrians could be unaware it was a shared pavement.

She said: “I believe that for those who live and work locally, we need safer cycling routes.

“If the city and county councils can work with residents to achieve this goal, I would be the first to cheer.”

County council spokesman Marcus Mabberley said the Headington work was being carried out as part of the New Headington Transport Improvements scheme.

He said: “The scheme is scheduled to be completed over the summer with some final touches, including the installation of a dropped kerb on Old Road at the east of the rear entrance of the Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre, some additional road markings and further shared path signs.”

Last month it was revealed that Oxford City Council was planning to spend £840,000 on improving facilities for cyclists in the city.

This includes selectively removing obstructive barriers, providing contra-flow permission for cyclists in some streets and repainting many worn-away road markings.

City council executive member Colin Cook said he hoped problems like the one in Headington could be tackled as part of the city’s scheme.

He added: “That having been said, I know we’re not keen to introduce additional street furniture, such as poles with signs, unless absolutely necessary.”

The city council’s executive will decide whether to endorse the cycle city strategy at a meeting on Wednesday, July 4.