The City of Oxford recently adopted a Complete Streets policy to create a safer city for pedestrians and has broken ground on a number of construction projects.

Reanna Mayoral, assistant city engineer, said the policy’s guiding principle is to design, operate and maintain safe and convenient access and travel for all.

“Basically, the city wants to provide a transportation network that meets the needs of pedestrians, bicyclists and motor vehicles,” Mayoral said.

Projects are under construction to add bike lanes on both sides of the pavement and provide marked travel zones for pedestrians and cyclists on North and South Lamar, College Hill Road and Bramlett Boulevard.

Construction taking place along Old Taylor Road is part of an 11.2-mile project to develop multiple bike paths throughout Oxford.

Curbs and sidewalks have also been added on some routes to improve pedestrian travel and improve access compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Projects are scheduled to be completed by Jan. 16, 2013.

“This project has the possibility of improving public health, providing alternative transportation means to children, elderly, people who cannot drive – all of which benefits the Oxford community,” Mayoral said.