June Updates

E-Bike Loan Schemes

E-bikes are game-changing in many ways for travel. Whether it's your daily commute, the school run, or doing the weekly shop - the extra power can go a long way toward transforming your journey sustainably. In our Better Journeys piece, we take a look at two schemes that have offered Oxford residents the free loan of an e-bike or e-cargo bike. How did the journeys of school staff change after swapping four wheels for two and a combined 1,059 miles pedalled? We also look at the results from a recent study led by the University of Leeds which included Kennington residents borrowing electric-powered cargo bikes. Read the article to learn more and pick up some tips that could help you explore trying an e-bike or e-cargo bike to get around.

Chancellor Announces Free Travel for Kids in ‘Summer Savings’

In a package which is being dubbed ‘Great British Summer Savings’, Rachel Reeves has announced free bus travel for all children throughout the month of August. Amid imminent fuel hikes and uncertainty in the cost of living, the Chancellor has committed over £100 million to fund axing fares for kids aged five to 15. The scheme will provide unlimited journeys, no registration required, and at no cost to families. The country-wide scheme provides a welcome way to explore the city and beyond without breaking the budget this summer. Learn more about days out from Oxford here.

Car Clubs Provide Average Budget Boost of £2,800 per Year

A study has found that pay-as-you-drive car club memberships can save the average British motorist £2,800 when compared to privately owning a car out-right. National charity Collaborative Mobility UK (CoMoUK) conducted the research which studied 6,000 car club members and assessed the financial benefits compared to owning a car. They found that the average membership costs around £675 per year, whereas the average cost of ownership came to about £3,500. CoMo also found that car club users produce 42% fewer carbon emissions and reduce their total car mileage by 2,112 miles yearly. You can read more about the study here and find out about car club options in Oxford here.

First ‘Quiet Lane’ Proposed for Oxfordshire

Oxfordshire’s first proposed ‘Quiet Lane’ could launch in Stanton St John later this summer, subject to consultation. The county council’s pilot scheme aims to reduce traffic on selected rural roads by restricting vehicle access where alternative routes exist, encouraging walking, cycling and horse riding instead. Shepherd’s Pit Lane has been chosen as the first trial location and would operate under an experimental traffic order with public feedback. Supporters say it will create safer, calmer routes for active travel. You can read the BBC News report here, and find out more about cycling in and out of Oxford here.

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