1st December 2025
A petition with nearly 4,000 signatures calling for the creation of a dedicated Haddenham–Thame Greenway has been submitted, reflecting strong and widespread public demand for a safe, practical, and sustainable walking and cycling route between the two communities.
Alongside the petition, residents have shared dozens of testimonies highlighting concerns about safety, accessibility, and the lack of viable alternatives to car travel. Many describe the current road route as “dangerous,” “impractical,” and “not suitable for families, pushchairs, or mobility users.”
A significant number of supporters expressed a desire to replace car journeys with cycling or walking — whether for commuting to Haddenham & Thame Parkway Station, travelling to school, or visiting family — but feel unable to do so safely under current conditions. Others emphasised the wider benefits a greenway would deliver, including reduced congestion, improved health, and greater environmental sustainability.
Common themes raised by residents include:
- Safety: Frequent reports of fast, narrow roads that deter all but the most confident cyclists.
- Family accessibility: Lack of safe routes for children, grandparents, and pushchair users.
- Environmental concerns: Strong appetite to reduce pollution and car dependency.
- Community wellbeing: Desire for a route that encourages outdoor activity and access to the countryside.
- Transport connectivity: A need for safe, reliable access to Haddenham & Thame Parkway Station.
One resident noted, “I would love to cycle to the station but it’s simply not safe,” while another said, “Our children didn’t have a safe route to school — hopefully our grandchildren will.” Others described the greenway as “smart investment,” “indispensable for commuters,” and “long overdue after decades of discussion.”
Thame Town Councillor Helena Richards welcomed the petition, stating:
“The scale of public support demonstrates how urgently a safe, sustainable connection between Haddenham and Thame is needed. A dedicated greenway would strengthen local connectivity, improve safety, and support healthier, low-carbon travel. I fully support progressing this project without delay.”
Petitioners are calling on Oxfordshire County Council, Buckinghamshire Council, and relevant transport partners to work together to secure funding, identify a preferred route, and engage with the community as the project advances.
