Greater Manchester has opened the city region’s third Cycle Optimised Protected Signals (CYCLOPS) junction, during its active travel network year of delivery.
Designed by Greater Manchester engineers, CYCLOPS separates pedestrians and cyclists from motor traffic at junctions. People travelling on foot are also able to get where they want to be in fewer stages with more space to wait than on other junction designs.
Transport commissioner, Greater Manchester, Chris Boardman, said: “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.
“Our spend per head in Greater Manchester is currently around £18 per year – that’s almost at the levels enjoyed in Denmark and The Netherlands. This latest junction launch is part of a 10-year mission of making the city-region one of the best places in the world to travel on foot and by bike.”
A further seven CYCLOPS junctions are currently under construction in Greater Manchester. This includes one CYCLOPS junction in Bury at Angouleme Way and Market Street which is expected to be completed in November. A major scheme in Trafford Road, Salford, includes a further six CYCLOPS junctions. This is due to open in the spring 2022.
Furthermore, the junctions, which won a Brake safety award in 2020, will also be introduced into other UK cities including Cambridge.
Councillor Tracey Rawlins, Manchester City Council’s executive member for environment, said: “In Manchester we are committed to making it as easy as possible for people walking and cycling to get around our city.
“We are continuing to invest in active travel as it represents one of the best ways to help people ditch their cars and use more environmentally-friendly ways of getting around. The CYCLOPS junction scheme – a UK first – is just one of the ways we have looked to improve our road network, making them safer for everyone using them.”
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