A cycling trial on a pedestrianised street in Bicester has been approved.
The Experimental Traffic Regulation Order (ETRO) - which will result in the cycling ban being lifted on Sheep Street - was approved in an Oxfordshire County Council meeting today (November 14) by Andrew Gant, cabinet member for transport management.
The trial will permit two-way cycling throughout Sheep Street, which is a section of the National Cycle Route, at all times of the day.
Mr Gant approved the trial but added safeguards to it "in order to address concerns expressed".
Findings from the public consultation carried out in the summer found that 80 per cent of the 1267 respondents did not support the trial.
After approving the trial, Mr Gant asked officers to seek permission to have Fridays, the day of Bicester Market, as an exception to the trial.
READ MORE: Majority 'did not support' cycling trial in Bicester street
He also requested a formal paper on monitoring and evaluation and reporting of any incidents that arise on a regular basis, as well as requesting to see more detail about what the signage is to "understand what people will see and what guidance they will be given".
He said the trial would be appropriate for Bicester, which he said is undergoing a "period of change, more than most possibly".
Concerns were raised by councillors Donna Ford, Les Sibley, Michael Waine and Sam Holland.
The main concerns raised were the safety of pedestrians, the lack of enforcement of current restrictions and a lack of parking spaces for bikes on Sheep Street.
County councillor Mr Waine said: "I cannot remember any item causing such concern amongst residents as this one."
Town councillor Mr Holland echoed this, adding: "Every single resident, shop keeper and market stall holder I’ve spoken to in Bicester on Sheep Street does not want this scheme.
"This is unsafe and we need an outbreak of common sense to stop this scheme going ahead.
"Please, listen to the people of Bicester, do not approve this scheme today."
County, district and town councillor Ms Ford added: "The consultation is abundantly clear - that the residents of Bicester do not want this proposal.
"77 per cent had strong concerns – this is a huge amount.
"I urge you to listen to residents and not approve this recommendation. We should be respecting their choice."
However, also prior to the approval, Kevin Hickman - who is a disabled Bicester resident - said cycling is easier for him than walking, and less difficult than driving.
READ MORE: Bicester MP slams proposals to close London Road Crossing
He said he thinks the trial is a "necessary step" but noted that he is "not sure" consultation process "as it currently stands" is the best way to engage with people on topics like this and I wonder if there are better ways in future.
Paul Troop, secretary of Bike Users Oxford, said he believes the trial would bring benefits to the town, such as supporting mental wellbeing and physical fitness and attracting more customers to the town centre.
He added: "If we don’t hold a trial we might miss the significant benefits would bring to Bicester."
The trial will be in place for 18 months.
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