Experimental pedal cycle exemption - Bicester: Sheep Street

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An 'Experimental' Traffic Regulation Order (ETRO) has been made - which comes into force on 25 March (subject to works being completed on site) - that will allow pedal cycles to be ridden at all times, on all days, and in any direction on Sheep Street in Bicester within the currently restricted area, i.e. that length of highway between a point 12 metres southeast of the intersection of the centre line of Sheep Street and Bell Lane, and its junction with Market Hill.

This follows a local pre-engagement exercise (details here), after which the Cabinet Member for Highway Management approved the Officer recommendations to proceed with an Experimental TRO at the public decisions meeting held on 14th November 2024 (see item no.160/24 here for details).

As part of the approval to proceed, Officers will continually review in detail the working & management of the scheme, and stop the trial if there are any pedestrian safety concerns* that cannot be suitably and promptly addressed.

* to report any specific incidents or urgent issues relating to the day-to-day running of the scheme (i.e. not a response to the consultation), please email the Project team directly at: SheepStreetETRO@oxfordshire.gov.uk

Why is the experiment being implemented?

Our goal is to enhance active travel in Bicester by making Sheep Street more accessible to cyclists. By integrating Sheep Street into the cycling network, we aim to provide significant benefits for cyclists by improving the choice of routes across Bicester, including for students who cycle or wish to cycle to school. We believe that allowing cycling in Sheep Street will improve access for all cyclists including those who have disabilities, enabling them to cycle more.

Additionally, this change is expected to attract more visitors to local businesses, market days, and festivals, thereby boosting the local economy. Our aim is that by increasing cycling routes there will be a decrease in reliance on private cars for local journeys, promoting a more sustainable mode of transport.

What is an Experimental Traffic Regulation Order?

Experimental Traffic Regulation Orders (ETRO) are used when it is difficult to assess the impacts of the scheme beforehand, but the cost of implementation is relatively low. In an ETRO, the Council introduces the scheme as an experiment first and there is then a six-month period after the scheme is introduced when the public can see for themselves the impact of the scheme and the Council can monitor its impacts. At the end of the six-month period, the Council assesses the impacts, including any letters of support or objections, and decides whether to confirm, cancel or extend the ETRO for up to 12 months longer (18 months in total) to allow further consultation and monitoring.

The experiment will be closely monitored during its operation and any comments/complaints that are received will be given due consideration with a view to deciding whether the experiment, or any part of it should become permanent.

Have your say.

Please read the detailed information provided on this consultation and take the time to complete the survey as your views and opinions matter. Your response should be completed and returned by 5pm on Friday 26 September 2025 (i.e. end of six month consultation period)

Whilst we will endeavor to answer simple queries during the course of the consultation, any more complex questions/issues will be appraised and dealt with as part of consultation process.

What happens next?

The county council will review the responses and if necessary (i.e. if objections are received) prepare a report to be presented to the Cabinet Member for Highway Management at a future meeting. This will be public meeting at which members of the public may apply to speak. The agenda and reports for meetings will be made available on the Oxfordshire County Council web site about a week before the meeting (please note that occasionally it is necessary to defer reports to a later meeting, and it is therefore advisable to check the agenda ahead of attending a meeting). The Forward Plan of decisions meetings can be viewed here.

An 'Experimental' Traffic Regulation Order (ETRO) has been made - which comes into force on 25 March (subject to works being completed on site) - that will allow pedal cycles to be ridden at all times, on all days, and in any direction on Sheep Street in Bicester within the currently restricted area, i.e. that length of highway between a point 12 metres southeast of the intersection of the centre line of Sheep Street and Bell Lane, and its junction with Market Hill.

This follows a local pre-engagement exercise (details here), after which the Cabinet Member for Highway Management approved the Officer recommendations to proceed with an Experimental TRO at the public decisions meeting held on 14th November 2024 (see item no.160/24 here for details).

As part of the approval to proceed, Officers will continually review in detail the working & management of the scheme, and stop the trial if there are any pedestrian safety concerns* that cannot be suitably and promptly addressed.

* to report any specific incidents or urgent issues relating to the day-to-day running of the scheme (i.e. not a response to the consultation), please email the Project team directly at: SheepStreetETRO@oxfordshire.gov.uk

Why is the experiment being implemented?

Our goal is to enhance active travel in Bicester by making Sheep Street more accessible to cyclists. By integrating Sheep Street into the cycling network, we aim to provide significant benefits for cyclists by improving the choice of routes across Bicester, including for students who cycle or wish to cycle to school. We believe that allowing cycling in Sheep Street will improve access for all cyclists including those who have disabilities, enabling them to cycle more.

Additionally, this change is expected to attract more visitors to local businesses, market days, and festivals, thereby boosting the local economy. Our aim is that by increasing cycling routes there will be a decrease in reliance on private cars for local journeys, promoting a more sustainable mode of transport.

What is an Experimental Traffic Regulation Order?

Experimental Traffic Regulation Orders (ETRO) are used when it is difficult to assess the impacts of the scheme beforehand, but the cost of implementation is relatively low. In an ETRO, the Council introduces the scheme as an experiment first and there is then a six-month period after the scheme is introduced when the public can see for themselves the impact of the scheme and the Council can monitor its impacts. At the end of the six-month period, the Council assesses the impacts, including any letters of support or objections, and decides whether to confirm, cancel or extend the ETRO for up to 12 months longer (18 months in total) to allow further consultation and monitoring.

The experiment will be closely monitored during its operation and any comments/complaints that are received will be given due consideration with a view to deciding whether the experiment, or any part of it should become permanent.

Have your say.

Please read the detailed information provided on this consultation and take the time to complete the survey as your views and opinions matter. Your response should be completed and returned by 5pm on Friday 26 September 2025 (i.e. end of six month consultation period)

Whilst we will endeavor to answer simple queries during the course of the consultation, any more complex questions/issues will be appraised and dealt with as part of consultation process.

What happens next?

The county council will review the responses and if necessary (i.e. if objections are received) prepare a report to be presented to the Cabinet Member for Highway Management at a future meeting. This will be public meeting at which members of the public may apply to speak. The agenda and reports for meetings will be made available on the Oxfordshire County Council web site about a week before the meeting (please note that occasionally it is necessary to defer reports to a later meeting, and it is therefore advisable to check the agenda ahead of attending a meeting). The Forward Plan of decisions meetings can be viewed here.

  • Bicester Sheep Street experimental pedal cycle exemption survey

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Page last updated: 13 Mar 2025, 04:37 PM