Bicester’s three health routes have seen a significant increase in usage over the Covid-19 lockdown period. First painted in 2017 as part of the Bicester Healthy New Town project, the 5km circular routes in Bicester West, North East Bicester, and Langford are maintained by Cherwell District Council.
According to pedestrian counters on the routes, almost 500 people walked the Langford line each day over the Easter period, up 104% from the same period in 2019.
Similarly, data collected from Bure Park, part of the North East Bicester route, showed almost 900 daily users over Easter, an increase of almost 250 people from the previous year.
Bicester Conservatives said: “From their launch, Bicester’s ‘blue lines’ have proven a popular and accessible way for residents to exercise. Since the start of the coronavirus pandemic keeping active has taken on new importance for our collective physical health and mental wellbeing. The health routes are a great free fitness solution and it is fantastic to see so many residents taking advantage of them.”
