District Councillors want more cycling infrastructure & voting for 16 year-olds

AMONG the motions agreed on December 19, by South Oxfordshire District Councillors, were actions to develop a plan for cycling infrastructure, and another to expressing the council’s support for the voting age to be lowered to 16.

Councillors discussed the wide-ranging Oxfordshire 2050 plan, which could include a network of biodiversity areas and greater public transport infrastructure in the district, and they agreed that any planning for new homes and employment sites should be taken into consideration at the local district planning level.

The council will now send a letter to government, local Members of Youth Parliament and the British Youth Council to express the Council’s support for the vote to be given to people aged 16-17 years olds at all elections and referendums across the UK.

The council’s intention is to start to develop a strategic plan to improve the cycling and walking infrastructure in the district, and to actively support Oxfordshire County Council’s plan to deliver a safe cycling network across the district. The district council will now identify ways in which it can prioritise active travel in its planning policy to connect urban and rural areas.

Cllr Sue Cooper, Leader of the council said: “Motions proposed to Council help us to discuss important issues that directly affect our residents. We will be writing letters to the government giving our stance on national issues and we look forward to starting work on creating and connecting our biodiversity and cycle path networks in our districts – something that will contribute to improving everyone’s health and wellbeing.”

You can find the full agenda and reports HERE