Work to create a ‘UK-first’ junction – which separates cyclists from motor traffic and provides more space for pedestrians – is underway in Manchester.
The CYCLOPS (cycle optimised protected signals) junction forms part of a new £13.4m walking and cycling route, which will link Manchester to the suburb of Chorlton.
The route is being delivered by Manchester City Council, with improved crossings and segregated routes among its key features – along with the CYCLOPS junction at Royce Road.
The principal feature of the junction is an orbital cycle route, which separates cyclists from motor traffic, in turn reducing the likelihood of collisions and conflicts.
It enables cyclists to make fully protected two-phase right turns and filter left onto and off the orbital route without signal control.
Meanwhile, pedestrians are able to cross in fewer stages and with more space to wait than in other junction designs.
Cllr Angeliki Stogia, Manchester City Council’s executive member for the environment, planning and transport, said: “We’re excited to make progress with our ambitious plan to create a new walking and cycling route from Manchester to Chorlton.
“With better crossings and segregated routes, including the innovative new CYCLOPS junction, this project will make it much safer and easier to walk and cycle along this busy route.”
I think its a good approach for an intersection for all abilities of cyclists, the commuters and the vulnerable. Just need to ensure that the pedestrians are also featured and provided with sufficient space, as I’m not familiar with the area.
Would be great to obtain data from this once operational and also feedback from all road users etc.
Richard, Gold Coast, AUS
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There is actually not more space for pedestrians, who now will have to cross two cycle lanes, giving way to cyclists as well crossing the main carriageway. There also appears to a number of pedestrian crossing signals that are missing. Be interested to see the Road Safety Audit.
RICHARD WALKER
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Let’s hope all it’s users have their wits about them when it becomes operational!
Hugh Jones
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Having the advanced stop box seems to be an admission that taking the cycle path through the junction will be a slow option.
Paul Luton, Teddington
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