For many years, Donnington Bridge was just a footpath across the river Thames. However, in the post war period, the need for a connecting road between Abingdon Road and Iffley Road grew. The road is now often congested due to traffic levels crossing the river. A cycle path gives cyclists chance to beat the rush hour traffic.

Oxford Cycling

From an exhibition – pedal power at Oxford Museum.

Oxford

Oxford has a high % of people who cycle to work. A combination of the relative short distance to work and a long history of cycling.

more Oxford cycling photos

An estimated 20,000 people cycle into Oxford every day. It is the second most popular city for cycling after Cambridge. Despite the heavy number of buses, some parts of Oxford are conducive to cycling. For example, in the historic heart of Oxford many roads have been closed to cars creating more space for cyclists. Another feature of Oxford is the lack of car parking facilities, this makes cycling into town more convenient. Though if you look around, there also appears to be a shortage of cycle parking facilities.

A traditional style Oxford bike, parked underneath the bridge of sighs opposite the Sheldonian theatre.