Witney is allowing people to experience streets free of motor traffic for a day.

World Car Free Day is celebrated all around the world and takes place on Thursday September 22.

Whilst no roads will be closed in Witney on the day, Active Travel will be promoted through a range of activities.

They start with Windrush Bike Project offering Buddy Rides at 8am.

These are for people who would like to cycle but are nervous of traffic and will allow people to discover the best routes in and around Witney.

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Windrush Bike Project CIC is a not for profit social enterprise with a team of professional staff and volunteers who help people make more journeys by bike and learn about bike mechanics.

They also deliver Bikeability cycle training in 32 West Oxfordshire schools.

They will also end the day with free DR Bike Bicycle checks and small repairs at their Corn Street depot from 4pm to 7pm.

Oxford Mail:

Setting off from the Town Hall at 10am, there will be a short, guided safe-route cycle ride to Ducklington "and we will stand anyone that goes on the ride a free tea or coffee at 1863 as a thank you for making a cleaner and greener choice".

As it is Market Day, from 10am to 2pm Thames Valley Police will be manning a stall where they will offer free bike and scooter marking.

Then at 10.30am West Oxfordshire District Council will be leading walkers on a roughly 45-minute walk for health - again leaving from the Town Hall and again there is a free tea or coffee for anyone that goes along. 

Cycling without Age will be demonstrating its electric trishaw, which makes it possible for older and vulnerable people to enjoy the experience of a safe and accompanied bike ride, between 11am and 2pm.

Witney Town Council has also tried to involve children with the Walk to School/Active Travel Bingo which kids can complete over the course of the week.

Oxford Mail:

Active Travel Bingo is an an eye-spy and task-based worksheet encouraging children to take note of their environment when they are outdoors.

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Any child completing the sheet can collect a free Active Travel pencil from the town council office and all completed forms will be entered in a prize draw, where one lucky winner will get a family ticket to Oxford Bus Museum, worth £15.

Witney Town Council now has a themed window at its town centre offices with posters suggesting useful apps that show bus times and calculate safe cycle routes.

There is also a list of some lovely local walks to try out. 

  • Buddy rides must be pre-booked on the Windrush Bike Project website at https://bookwhen.com/windrushbikeproject

 

 

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