Oxford Warnings and Dangers

Watch out for those cyclists when crossing the road! Sometimes they ignore lights and zebra crossings, though they're generally very good.
Also, when driving and pulling out into the road, remember to look out for bicycles and not just cars and other vehicles! If you forget, you might not see them and hit them/let them hit you which, well, let's face it, would be very BAD!
Look at the pic and see for yourself!

Okay, they're very pretty, and the babies are so sweet... but when they're trying to steal your cheese roll which you spent ages making out of the back of your punt, all the love for the little critters goes out the window!
A swan can break your arm with a wingbeat if you aren't careful, so be nice and don't threaten the signets in any way!
Keep your food guarded and covered safely, and don't feed any swans (or ducks while the swans are around) because they'll just come back for more!!

Most of Oxfords residents travel around the city by bicycle. It is by far the cheapest, easiest and quickest way to get from place to place, especially as bikes can go where the cars and busses cannot.
Some of the cyclists, however, can be rather dangerous. Many ride on pavements, ignore red lights, don't have lights at night and generally disobey the rules of the road.
When crossing the road, it's always a good idea to check for approaching bicycles, even if you should have right of way. Motorists should also keep an extra careful watch for cyclists, and give them a wide berth if required.
There are some pavements which they are allowed to share with pedestrians, and some one way streets where they are allowed to ride in both directions, so extra care is required.

Unsurprisingly, with the number of students and tourists around the city, there are plenty of beggars always asking for some 'spare change'.
Although some of them are genuine, there are a lot of fakes out there, most are just annoying, but it's a good idea to ignore them and donate the money to a reputable charity instead.

There are a lot of people asking for money in the street. This shouldn't alarm you - it is largely because there is a well-established community and so people feel safer living there on the street than elsewhere. Many, unfortunately, lead troubled lives. People will make up their own minds whether to give money - if you want, there is a collecting box for homeless charities in the town hall, if you feel more secure that your money is helping that way.

There are really some seedy areas in Oxford, but there aren't many. Out in the industrial area it gets a bit rough. If you break your glasses or need any optical help, a nice optometrist is Batemans Opticians - 30 Cornmarket Street. They fixed my screw for free.

The worst thing that could ever happen in Oxford is you bump into OX-grads Dudley Moore or Michael Palin..wait a minute..that wouldnt be so bad! There is NOTHING to be concerned about safety-wise in OXFORD. It positively reeks with manners and decorum.
'Veddy veddy safe oyed sigh, duckie!,,CHEERS.'

If you're mad enough to walk Port Meadow in winter, be sure to bring a pair of wellies! We runied our shoes and clothes, all in the name of getting to the Trout Inn for a pint!

Take care when heading down to the Beach in Oxford - We are as far inland as you can get in England & it is at least an hour's drive away.