Cycling and Walking

Benefits of cycling and walking

• Improves general health, helps to lower both blood pressure and the resting heart rate
• Helps with weight and stress management
• Improves fitness
• Cyclists and pedestrians breathe in less fumes than car drivers
• Saves you money
• Produces no pollution so good for the environment 
• Often quicker to get around in congested areas
• Fewer cars on the road means safer roads

Visit the Walking to Work or School pages of the Directgov website for information on the benefits of walking and to set up your own community scheme.

Bicycle routes in Oxford

• Cycle Maps pages of the Oxfordshire County Council website - detailed map of cycle routes in Oxford.
• Sustrans website - view a map of the national cycling network and plan your journey online.
• GPS Cycle and Walking Routes - cycling and walking routes in Oxfordshire
• The River Thames Walk and Cycle Guide

Walks and trails in the UK

Visit the Thames Path and Ridgeway pages of the National Trails website for information about stunning local walks in Oxfordshire.

Visit the Things to do in the Countryside pages of the Directgov website for more information on nationwide walks and trails.

Public Rights of Way

For information about public rights of way in Oxford, including an interactive map, visit the Oxfordshire County Council website.

Staying safe on your bike

• wear a safety helmet
• check your bike is in good working order before you leave
• plan your route
• fit a bell to warn pedestrians and motorists
• fit front and rear lights and a good red rear reflector for cycling at night and carry spare batteries
• wear reflective clothing after dark
• carry a small emergency toolkit

Visit the Cyclist pages of the Highway Code website to see the rules of the road for cyclists.

Visit the Cycling safety pages of the Directgov website for more advice on bike safety and security tips.

Cycle training

Oxfordshire County Council's Road Safety Team offer free cycle training for children. Visit the Cycle Training page of the Oxfordshire County Council website for more information and contact details.

Bike Security

The Home Office suggests the following:

• Get a good bike lock (D locks or combination locks are best. Look for Sold Secure Ltd. approved locks, or ask for a recommendation at a bike shop)
• Lock your bike to something secure - a bike rack or lamppost
• Lock up removable parts (for example, wheels) or take them with you (for example, light fittings and seats)
• Have your bike security-marked or engraved

More information on cycling and walking

Visit the Cycling and Walking pages of the Oxfordshire County Council website to find out more about cycling in Oxford.

Visit the Cycling pages of the Directgov website for more advice about benefits equipment, and national cycle routes.

Page last reviewed 22 May 2012