PLANS to pump £840,000 into the city’s cycle network are set to get the go-ahead tonight.

Oxford’s four-year cycling strategy includes money for new cycle lanes, better signage and contraflow permission for cyclists in 25 one-way streets.

Priority areas include East Oxford, Headington, Botley Road rail bridge and Marston Road.

But Marston city councillor Mick Haines said cycle lanes should be marked out along Cherwell Drive to improve safety.

He said: “At the moment people are taking their lives in their hands. Cyclists are using the paths and I have had to get out of the way myself. One man got knocked off his bike down there.”

Mr Haines said the dangers had been made worse by more cars rat-running through Marston.

Oxford City Council has produced a list of 57 projects to make the city more welcoming for people on two wheels.

It plans to spend £100,000 from its capital budget in each of the first two years, followed by £50,000 in each of the following years.

It also has access to £500,000 of section 106 money that has been paid to the authority by developers. The money will be spent on projects such as making Botley Road safer, improving Church Cowley Road and removing some obstructive barriers.

Colin Cook, executive board member for city development, said: “There are some projects ready to go and some early wins.

“The strategy is not set in stone and we will certainly take opportunities where they spring up. I’m always interested in coming forward but we have to be realistic.We don’t want to raise expectation.”

Longer-term bids include a multi-million pound Thames crossing at Oxpens and at Jackdaw Lane, but these have no funding at present.

Mr Cook said marking a cycle lane along Cherwell Drive was “a possibility” but there are projects the council would not be able to do because of a lack of funding.

A decision will be made at Town Hall. The meeting begins at 5pm.