Rush Hour in the Cycle Lane

Cycling Oxford Iffley Road

On my way to work, I stopped at Magdalen roundabout to take a few photos. I only spent two minutes, but got several photos.

Cycling Oxford Magdalen Roundabout

I once read somewhere, Magdalen roundabout was an accident blackspot. This is partly because it is the main entry into town from the East. There are five exits, and most people coming from East take the High Street into town. But, you have to be careful as some cars don’t go straight on and take a side street to St Hilda’s college.

Cycling Oxford v

Definitely a 20mph speed limit on the surrounding roads, makes the roundabout more manageable. 20mph speed limits are often ignored, but congestion (and the numbers of cyclists) kind of forces drivers to be slow.
Cycling Oxford

Many people are intimidated by roundabouts, but it’s not too bad, if you give way to any traffic on roundabout.
Cycling Oxford

Iffley Road is quite narrow. This cycle lane is a ‘bit of a squeeze’ but since cars are often stationary or moving very slowly, it doesn’t feel too bad. Though if the road was an extra 2 feet wide, it would help.

- Just imagine if all these cyclists were in a car, the traffic jam would stretch back a long way.

Cycling Oxford Magdalen Roundabout

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6 Responses to Rush Hour in the Cycle Lane

  1. Lewis February 5, 2011 at 6:18 pm #

    I’ve never seen so many people on a bike in the same place! Where I live there are few commuting cyclists. Lets hope our numbers keep growing!

  2. pip February 5, 2011 at 3:12 pm #

    I agree it’s great to see so many people commuting to work and school. It would be nice to see everyone wearing a helmet, though.

  3. Tim Jones February 5, 2011 at 2:48 pm #

    The roundabout at The Plain requires Continental design treatment to reduce traffic speed and to make it easy to negotiate for those who cycle at lower speeds I.e. Single lane entry and exit points and more deflection. The fact that large vehicles such as the Oxford Tube has to negotiate it could be resolved by providing over run area around perimeter of central island say using cobbles or suchlike. As for Botley Road by railbridge there needs to be some major engineering here and reworking of Frideswide Square, well, into a square piazza with shared space to reduce domination of cars.

  4. Tacky February 4, 2011 at 11:47 am #

    That’s amazing I’ve never seen a bike jam before, it’s great to see so many cyclists out there. The thing is the only thing slowing me up on my commute is my peddling speed and do quite enjoy trying to beat my best time!

  5. Lee February 4, 2011 at 11:18 am #

    I wish all cities, had as many bikes wouldn’t that make such a difference.

  6. Dave February 4, 2011 at 10:12 am #

    I like the first photo; a cycle jam. Don’t see too many of those in Glasgow.

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