Campaign group calls for change after Summertown collision leaves 17 year-old cyclist hospitalised
Police say the teenager is in a stable condition in hospital, as they appeal to the public for information about the incident.
Development of off-road cycle routes, an extension of the 20mph speed limit and cycle symbols painted on the middle of Banbury Road - these are three of the changes proposed by Cyclox following the crash.
At 8:16am on Monday 4th November, a teenager riding his bike on Banbury Road suffered serious injuries after colliding with a motorcycle.
Thames Valley Police have arrested four people: a 50 year-old man, a 41 year-old man and a 37 year-old woman, who have all been released under investigation and a 14 year-old boy has been released without charge.
On Friday, Detective Inspector Justin Thomas also announced that police are looking for a 29 year-old man from Oxford, Nazim Kacem, who they believe may have important information about the collision.
If you know anything about Nazim’s whereabouts, you can report it to police online, by calling 101 quoting reference 43240532710, or by making an anonymous call to the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
How safe is Oxford for Cyclists?
“There are still far too many collisions involving cycle riders in Oxford”, say Cyclox.
According to data put together by Oxfordshire Cycling Network chair Robin Tucker, of the 47 incidents of serious injury on Oxford’s roads in 2023, 23 were suffered by cyclists and two thirds of these biking injuries involved a car.
In Summertown over the same time period, this map from CycleStreets shows a total of eight cycling collisions, two of which they categorised as ‘serious’.
As was the case last Monday, the map reveals that most of these incidents happened at junctions, something Cyclox say is the case for at least 70% of collisions involving cyclists throughout the city.
“There are virtually no junctions in the city that we regard as safe”, say the campaign group, who argue that measures are needed at junctions to “separate cycle riders from other road users, either by time or space”.
This lack of separation between all types of road users is particularly pronounced on Summertown’s narrow stretch of Banbury Road, where Cyclox note note that the cycle lane is only advisory.
What needs to change?
Cyclox has two key aims to improve cycle safety: separate cyclists from other road users, and slow down traffic in busy areas.
Instead of cycle lanes painted along the side of the road, which the advocacy group say “increase the perception of safety”, they would like to see “segregated paths for cycle riders”.
In Summertown, this would involve improvements to an existing cycle route, National Cycle Route 51. It runs parallel to Banbury Road through a series of smaller streets such as Wren Road and King’s Cross Road.
Where cyclists have to share narrow roads with motorists, Cyclox would like cycle symbols to be painted on the middle of the road. They hope this would encourage those on bikes to position themselves centrally on the road, reducing the possibility of cars overtaking dangerously.
Slowing down these motorists is another priority, and something the Council’s Central Oxford Travel Plan is currently looking to deal with measures including traffic filters, due to be introduced in November next year.
Alongside these measures, Cyclox would like to see an extension of Summertown’s 20mph speed limit beyond the Marston Ferry Road junction, to help stop drivers “speeding up as soon as soon as they see a 30mph sign”.
How can I stay as safe as possible when cycling?
It’s important to feel confident when cycling through the city, and, as Cyclox say, “many people enjoy cycling in Oxford and safely complete their journeys”.
Part of this is being aware of your rights and responsibilities when on a bike.
Cyclists should remember that they have the same right as anyone else to use the road, but need to remain considersate and conscious of their surroundings when riding.
More information on rights and responsibilities for cyclists is available on the Cyclox website.