You can’t beat a good traffic jam to raise the spirits. It happens every morning for commuters coming from nearby villages Eynsham and Farmoor to Oxford.

Those spirits were raised slightly more than usual last Wednesday morning when congestion was blamed for extra delays on the buses and for motorised commuters. The cause of the congestion? The extra commuters! They were all taking part in a commuter challenge from Eynsham to Oxford on alternative modes of transport, raising awareness for the campaign for a cycle and footpath along the B4044.

Forty extra commuters is apparently all it takes to cause havoc on this popular commuter route, surely that is proof enough another route is needed from Eynsham to Oxford.

Bus delays were reported in the media and complaints were voiced by the general public whose journeys were extended by a few minutes. The usual vilification of cyclists was seen in the comments section of the papers. If any delay is caused to motorists then the cycle is demonised, when really it should be supported.

This route is under five miles long and probably the most hazardous cycle route in Oxford I know. A bit of investment and it could be the answer to ease the congestion. That includes cars – the fewer people on four wheels, the better it is for congestion, the environment and society. A nice route to school and the shops by bicycle would be a life saver in so many ways for those villagers. At the moment cycling or walking along the B4044 is a life taker and I avoid it at all costs.

On the challenge were cyclists of different sorts. There were joggers, roller skaters, motorbikes and runners. A mobility scooter was proposed but was pulled at the last minute – shame, as that would have been an interesting result to see. Obviously a cycle made it first, the electric bike. You may be aware that I am a bit of an advocate for the leccy bike. Not only do I see the value of them as aides for those returning to cycling but I think they could revolutionize the daily commute. This challenge proved my point entirely.

Last year’s commuter challenge organised by Cyclox (the cycling campaign for Oxford) had the Mayor taking part on a cycle. Unfortunately, no public figures did this year.

Local MP Nicola Blackwood attended to raise some publicity, but her exertion was limited to handing out chocolate medals for the participants. She does fully support the cause however, even though she is not a cyclist. “A community path from Eynsham to Oxford has my fullest support” is written on her website.

Good thing too, as it always takes a lot of political support to get anything done for cyclists these days. The B4044 cycle path campaign is hotting up – let’s hope it becomes a reality. They have a new website so if you want to follow the campaign, visit bikesafe.org.uk and well done to all that took part in the challenge this year.