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Icy Paths Spark Outrage: Teen Fractures Wrist
9 Jan
Summary
- Teenager broke two wrist bones after falling from her bike on an icy path.
- Family criticizes council for alleged failure to grit hazardous pathways.
- The incident occurred on a route used by multiple schools in Oxford.
A teenage girl's broken wrist, sustained in a bicycle fall on an icy Oxford pavement, has ignited fury among her family directed at the local council. The 13-year-old fractured two bones in her wrist after skidding on an ungritted subway path while en route to school yesterday morning. Her family alleges the council failed to grit the area, describing it as perilous and dangerous for pedestrians and cyclists.
This incident, occurring on a route serving three major schools in Oxford, has amplified concerns about public safety during cold snaps. The girl's aunt stated that neither the council nor the school has offered apologies or inquired about her niece's well-being, accusing the council of indifference. The family emphasizes the importance of maintaining safe pathways, particularly for children, and questions the council's priorities amid public health warnings.
The council, through its company ODS, stated they follow Oxfordshire County Council's gritting policy, prioritizing arterial routes and generally not pre-salting off-road paths. However, they confirmed the Marston Ferry Road cycle track was gritted on Wednesday, January 7th, and grit bins were replenished. The school confirmed a 'small number' of pupils fell and sustained injuries, and has requested more regular gritting of the underpass.
