Draft:Marston Cycle Path, Oxford



This cycle path, linking the residential suburb of New Marston to the centre of the City of Oxford, was opened in 1990, following 17 years of discussions between residents, the University of Oxford, and the County Council. it connects to the cycle track running alongside the Marston Road

The most famous advocate for the new path was Professor Larry Weiskrantz, FRS, a prominent neuroscientist. "One accomplishment he was particularly proud of was the creation of a cycle path that allows one to cycle from Marston and Headington to South Parks Road, and from there to other university buildings and the city centre, thereby avoiding the busy roads in central Oxford. Navigating the bureaucracy and handling the always sensitive town and gown relations were not easy tasks, but with the help of his supporters, both from the City of Oxford as well as from the university, Larry's vision prevailed—although it must be said that it took fully 17 years from the initial submission in 1974 to the opening in 1991. Larry's persistence and eventual success led one supporter to suggest that the path be called The Wise Way in Larry's honour—a proposal that sadly did not come to pass."

As the cycle path passes through the floodplain of the River Cherwell, it is sometimes impassable after heavy rains. Up-to-date information on its status is given at.

In 2023, the Marston cycle path was closed for essential repair work on the Lemond and Fignon bridges. During this closure, cyclists raised concerns about the lack of alternative routes, as the recommended diversion added around 3.5 miles to their journey distance. However, the path has since reopened after the repairs were completed.

It has enabled many hundreds of residents to commute to work, school and leisure activities every day since then (ref needed, OCC), avoiding the dangerous and lengthy detour through the busy roadways of the City centre. Despite the need to push bikes for a quarter of a mile, between 80 and 100 people (including many children) used an alternative route during each of the two-hour periods permitted while the path was closed.

Further information can be found at the Headington History site