Listen Live
Sunrise Gold

Trailblazing CYCLOPS junction opens for safer cycling and walking

Monday, 6 July 2020 at 20:59

By Raj Parmar X @allaboutraj

A UK-first “CYCLOPS” junction, which is optimised for safer cycling and walking, is now fully open in Hulme.

The “Cycle Optimised Protected Signals” junction fully segregates cyclists from general traffic, improving safety for all road users.  Bicycles approach from four ‘arms’, converging onto a cycle track which completely encircles the junction, allowing bicycles to make a right turn while being protected from traffic - and to complete the manoeuvre in one movement, dependent on signal timings.

The opening of the CYCLOPS is the latest milestone in the construction of the £13.4m Manchester to Chorlton cycling and walking route, with the first phase of the project now completed.  Chorlton Road forms the northern section of the route, connecting Brooks Bar junction to off-road cycle tracks at Chester Road roundabout, which lead into the city centre.

Segregated cycle lanes have been created on Chorlton Road, running from Chester Road to Stretford Road. Work is now set to move on to the section of Chorlton Road running between Moss Lane East and Stretford Road.  

Manchester City Council's Executive Member for the Environment, Planning and Transport, Councillor Angeliki Stogia, said: “The CYCLOPS junction maximises opportunities for safer cycling and walking in this area, while making the performance of the junction more efficient for all road users.  As we gradually welcome Mancunians back to their city centre, we’re really looking forward to seeing this trailblazing feature becoming a landmark part of what is a well-used commuter route.

“This UK-first junction is a symbol of our desire to create permanent, high-quality cycling and walking infrastructure, which will support the long-term shift to active travel that we want to see right across the city.

"And it is only the latest milestone in our ambitious plans to invest in a network of safe routes for people travelling on foot or by bike.  We're continuing to move forward with our £79m pipeline of projects, which will enable more people across the city to make the switch to walking and cycling for their everyday journeys.”

Chris Boardman, cycling and walking commissioner for Greater Manchester said, “Crossing busy junctions on foot or by bike can be a complicated and scary experience and is often a huge barrier for people travelling by foot or bike, and having to navigate a number of these can make them opt for the car. 

"This junction design will make journeys easier and smoother for those doing their bit by cycling or walking, without impacting negatively on any other modes. The design is simply genius and I’m not surprised to see other places already adopting the approach."

Share

More from Local and National News

  • Boy, 16, Cleared of Murdering Teenager in West London Stabbing

    A 16-year-old boy has been found not guilty of murdering 18-year-old Maliki Sharma, who died following a stabbing in Feltham, west London. The Old Bailey heard that the fatal confrontation followed an escalating dispute between two groups of young people.

  • Girl, 10, Suffers Chemical Burns After Glitter Phone Case Leaks

    A 10-year-old girl from Old Trafford has been treated in hospital after liquid from a cracked glitter-filled phone case reportedly caused painful chemical burns to her stomach. Her mother is warning other parents about the potential dangers of similar products.

  • Two Men Charged Following Keighley Café Break-In

    Two men have been charged with burglary following a reported break-in at the Endless Kettle Café in Keighley. The independent business is preparing to reopen today after the incident forced it to close and cancel customer bookings.

  • £100m Drugs Gang Ringleader Ordered to Pay Back £260,000

    A convicted drugs gang ringleader from Ravensthorpe has been ordered to repay more than £260,000 following a financial investigation by West Yorkshire Police. Mohammed Tasadiq Khan, 38, is already serving a 16-year prison sentence for his role in a drugs network worth an estimated £100 million.

  • Man Jailed for Defrauding Two Elderly Women of Over £5,000

    A 30-year-old man from Leicester has been jailed for three years and three months after targeting two women in their eighties in a bank impersonation scam. The victims, from High Wycombe and Oxford, lost a combined £5,222.

  • Calderdale Named Among England's Top 25 Places for Children

    Calderdale has been recognised as one of England's top 25 places for children and young people to grow up, according to a new report from the Children's Commissioner. It is one of only three local authority areas in the North of England to make the list.

  • West Yorkshire Police Officer Found Guilty of Rape

    A serving West Yorkshire Police officer has been found guilty of raping a woman in 2002, three years before joining the force. PC Jo Lavender, 45, will be sentenced at York Crown Court on 3 November.

  • New Bradford Railway Station Planned at Interchange Site

    Plans for a new railway station at Bradford Interchange have received backing from the Confederation of British Industry (CBI), which says the development could strengthen transport connections, attract investment and support regeneration across Bradford city centre.

  • Man Jailed for Life for Murdering Former Girlfriend in West London

    A man who murdered his former girlfriend at a property in Earls Court after she ended their relationship has been sentenced to life imprisonment, with a minimum term of 28 years. Deepak Sandhu was also convicted of perverting the course of justice after attempting to flee the country.

  • Man Dies Following Police Pursuit on M56 Motorway

    A man has died following a police pursuit involving a motorcycle on the M56 near Manchester Airport. Greater Manchester Police are appealing for dashcam footage, while the Independent Office for Police Conduct has launched an independent investigation.

  • Major Roof Repairs and Solar Panels Proposed for Halifax's Dean Clough

    Plans have been submitted to Calderdale Council for roof repairs and a major solar panel installation at the historic Dean Clough complex in Halifax. The proposed scheme could generate renewable electricity while helping fund essential repairs to leaking roofs.

  • £2 Million Cannabis Farm Discovered in Bradford

    A man has been charged after West Yorkshire Police discovered an industrial-scale cannabis farm worth an estimated £2 million at a property on Little Horton Lane in Bradford.

On Air Now Bollywood Mix 1:00am - 4:00am

Listener Club

Get more with the Listener Club!

  • Bhangra Nights Bhangra Nights

    Get over the Weekday blues - Every Tuesday night is party night with the best Bhangra and Urban Asian Beats. The Bhangra Show every Tuesday between 8pm-11pm

  • Legal Show Legal Show

    Once a fortnight we dedicate a show to discussing legal issues and family / matrimonial law in particular. Alternate Friday mornings between 9am-11pm.

  • Alim OnAir Alim OnAir

    Have you a question about the religious, cultural or tradition aspect of Islam? Then join Hazrat Maulana Fazal Dad in the weekly show every Friday between 8-9pm.

  • The Golden Era The Golden Era

    The golden era of Bollywood celebrated in this weekly show full of classics taking you back in time. Every Sunday between 5pm - 7pm