Author: cyclox editor

Festival fun and free bike repairs

By Alison Hill

It’s midsummer and festival season in Oxford city is in full swing. To mark our twentieth anniversary Cyclox had a stall at all these amazing festivals (and there are more to come). Our stall is a focal point for people interested in cycling, even if they are not themselves bike riders. We hold rich conversations about a variety of issues.

Getting rid of barriers

By Andy Chivers

There are many barriers to using a bike – lack of segregated paths, feeling unsafe, having no access to a bike, lack of a safe place to store a bike. The list goes on. But this article is about the physical barriers placed along cycle paths. They are designed to do exactly what is says on the tin – provide a barrier against something. And who are they trying to keep out?

Sanctuary Wheels one year on

By Nicole Kalinowska

Sanctuary Wheels was launched in May 2022 to provide bikes to refugees and asylum seekers across Oxfordshire. Its goal was to make Oxfordshire a more welcoming home for those who have moved here to escape from conflict. A year on more than 600 bikes have been donated, repaired, and given to people who have fled here.

Celebrate Bike Week with a family ride!

By Robin Tucker

Bike Week 2023, from 5 to 11 June, is the 100th annual celebration of all things cycling. There are few places better to cycle than Oxfordshire, and cycling groups will be putting on special rides and events across the county.

Oxford Online Cycle Map

A brand new cycle map of Oxford has been launched, showing low-traffic routes in the city. It shows routes that are car-free, protected, and walking-only, as well as road crossings.

Parking your bike at Oxford station

By Andy Chivers

Cycle parking at Oxford station is in a woeful state. The knee-deep piles of leaves from last autumn made the station bike parking area look desperately neglected. Forgotten bikes dangle at crazy angles from their rusty locks. The covered area is hard enough to get in and out of even if you find a space, but the open area is like an assault course that you leave with scratched shins and elbows.

Pothole hazards

By Alison Hill

On 30 April the Oxford Mail reported that there had been 135 personal injury claims submitted to Oxfordshire County Council over the last year. One of the leading causes was potholes.

Cyclox is 20 years old

By Andy Chivers

In September 2003 a small group of cycle campaigners held the first meeting of Cyclox. The group had its origins in Oxford Friends of the Earth. The first campaign was for the 20mph speed limit on residential roads.

Older riders: what they need

By Emily Kerr

In last week’s On My Bike, I shared stories of older Oxford cyclists. This week I’m focusing on two older people who have great ideas about improving access for bikes and mobility scooters.

Older riders: why they love cycling

By Emily Kerr

In the UK, just 1% of journeys by adults age 65+ are by bicycle. But in Holland, it’s a quarter. Many older people love cycling: for health, convenience and enjoyment – and we know that in Oxford, around a quarter of Cyclox members are over 65.