A new CYCLOPS junction separating pedestrians and cyclists from traffic has been completed in Manchester as part of the next phase of a £13.4m walking and cycling route.
The latest Cycle Optimised Protected Signals protected junction has opened at the junction between Chorlton Road and Stretford Road.
Cyclists will be able to make safe right turns while being protected from ongoing traffic, with pedestrians also able to move around the junction by using diagonal crossings.
It is the second CYCLOPS to be completed in Manchester as part of the Manchester-Chorlton orbital cycleway.
Councillor Tracey Rawlins, the town hall’s executive member for transport, said: “It’s all about encouraging families to cycle and walk more and be confident that they’ll be able to get across roads without having to worry about dodging traffic.
“We’ve still got a way to go with the Manchester-Chorlton routes but it’s progressing nicely. Tens of millions of pounds are being spent across Manchester to improve the safety along our roads, and I hope this will continue to encourage people to switch to walking or cycling for their everyday journeys.”
Chris Boardman, transport commissioner for Greater Manchester, added: “This latest CYCLOPS junction epitomises what we’re doing – creating safe spaces for walking and cycling that meet our necessary safety standards; routes and junctions that we’d feel happy for a 12-year-old to use, and that a person in a wheelchair will feel comfortable travelling on.”
Last week the Greater Manchester Combined Authority approved funding to build more CYCLOPS junctions at the junction of Trinity Way and Springfield Lane in Salford, and along the A560 between Altrincham town centre and Bridgewater Way.
Each of the schemes, as well as the Manchester-Chorlton cycleway, form part of part of Greater Manchester’s Bee Network, the proposed London-style public transport system integrating cycling and walking routes with bus and tram services.
