Cyclists have hit out at a ‘dangerous’ pathway now ‘half its original’ width that runs alongside a main road in Oxfordshire.
The cycle lane on the A40 between Witney and Oxford has become overgrown with grass and weeds.
Witney resident and cyclist, Paul Elliott said: “It is now very dangerous to pass oncoming cyclists and pedestrians safely.
“The grass and weeds have encroached onto the actual path making it less than half its original width.
“I’ve reported this several times over the last few years to FixMyStreet each time being told this complaint is closed or already reported by someone else.
“This is a complete joke. If the maintenance was kept up it would cost less in the long term.”
But the council maintain that the path was trimmed at the start of June and following an inspection today they will be carrying out some additional mowing.
FixMyStreet is a website which allows people to inform their local authority of problems needing attention.
Other residents have raised concerns about the height of overhanging trees on the pathway.
One person commented FixMyStreet: “It is not possible to cycle along this stretch without having to lower your head.
“This stretch of the cycle path is sloped and consequently is a fast section when travelling towards Oxford with no barriers between the cycle path and major trunk road.
“If a cyclist were to collide with this tree branch, the cyclist would fall into the traffic lane of the A40 with traffic arriving from behind with the potential for very serious injuries."
Another added: “The footpath around the pull-in at the bus stop is so overgrown that it is now almost impassable.
“This is dangerous for pedestrians and cyclist alike as it forces them to proceed onto the highway, opposite direction to the traffic flow.”
A county council spokesman said: "Our recently adopted vegetation and verge policy outlines our approach to managing vegetation on the highway, including prioritising cycle routes and footways.policy.
"In this particular instance, the section was cut back at the start of June which reduced the vegetation to allow for a better passage along the route.
"Following a further inspection today, the route is able to be used but it has been identified that there are some areas which will benefit from further work to the side out the path, which is above the cutting regime that we have outlined in our
"This work will be commissioned and this, along with other sections of the network, will benefit from the enhanced investment which has been identified this year to improve the cycle and footway routes.
"A programme is currently being finalised and will include some minor civil work improvements along with more intense vegetation and overgrowth clearance where needed."
https://www.oxfordmail.co.uk/news/23641102.a40-witney-cyclists-slam-dangerous-overgrown-path/
Radu Ignat 7th July 4:50 pm
User ID: 4775713
I have been reporting them as well. I had fallen off and dislocated my shoulder after hitting a 2" bump on the path caused by a overgrown tree
root. There are a few of these between Witney and Oxford. I get punctures
at least once per week and I always get my clothes ripped and get
scratches from the overgrown hedges. Maybe all cyclist should raise
claims against the council?
↪ in reply to Radu Ignat
Paul Elliott 7th July 4:55 pm
User ID: 2084484
Thanks for the response to this Radu the more people who complain the
better. This has been going on for several years now.
Ginger Leftie Cyclist 7th July 6:57 pm
User ID: 1443818
Punctures are the worst. I haven't had a single one though since I got Schwalbe puncture proof tyres (marathon plus are the best). You have my sympathy on all the other issues too, the cycle path along the A415
between Abingdon and Culham is the same, totally impassible in places and so dangerous.
I can't understand why they don't improve this cycle path when it's one
of the most congested routes into Oxford.
Radu Ignat 7th July 4:50 pmget my clothes ripped and get scratches from the overgrown hedges. Maybe all cyclist should raise claims against the council?
User ID: 4775713
I have been reporting them as well. I had fallen off and dislocated my shoulder after hitting a 2" bump on the path caused by a overgrown tree root. There are a few of these between Witney and Oxford. I get punctures at least once per week and I always
PresidentEleven 7th July 7:50 pm
User ID: 2102017
With all these people on community service, can they be given a spade and
a brush for fix it? Cycle enthusiasts would certainly be supportive, and
the GB News viewer could see law and order in action.
No expensive contractors and no additional costs to the over-burdened council tax payers.
Palmesan 11 hrs ago
User ID: 850933
Having a driving licence is not a right. Those drivers who show they cannot be trusted to behave sensibly on the roads should have their licences taken away permanently. It would make roads much safer, but no political party is brave enough.
PresidentEleven 7th July 7:50 pmand a brush for fix it?
User ID: 2102017
With all these people on community service, can they be given a spade
Cycle enthusiasts would certainly be supportive,
and the GB News viewer could see law and order in action.
No expensive contractors and no additional costs to the over-burdened council tax payers.
Palmesan 11 hrs ago
User ID: 850933
Having a driving licence is not a right. Those drivers who show they
cannot be trusted to behave sensibly on the roads should have their
licences taken away permanently. It would make roads much safer, but no political party is brave enough.
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