A public consultation on the proposed cycling improvements for East St Helen Street and the junction by the Abbey Gateway was held today in the former Magistrates’ Court. A second opportunity to meet the designers will take place on Tuesday in the Roysse Room from 4 pm to 7 pm.

A steady stream of visitors came to study the plans and speak with the project representatives. Among those most vocal were residents of East St Helen Street – where a new cycling contraflow is proposed, local conservationists, and cyclists keen to see better routes through the town.
The proposals, initiated by the cycling charity Sustrans and designed by Oxfordshire County Council, were generally welcomed by those supporting more active travel. However, they also prompted a range of concerns. Some East St Helen Street residents questioned the safety of the design for both cyclists and pedestrians, and how it might affect the character of this historic street. Conservation-minded visitors raised worries about changes to the junction’s appearance — including the addition of several new crossing points and belisha beacons — and how these might impact views towards the Abbey Gateway and St Nicolas Church. Others felt the plans did not help pedestrians, saying that many people cross High Street and Stert Street elsewhere and may not use the proposed new island. Drivers, too, voiced concerns about traffic flow.

Discussions were lively showing how challenging it will be to balance all the competing interests.

Details and the online consultation can be found at: www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/eaststhelenstreet