Second Manchester CYCLOPS junction up and running

The second phase of an innovative and UK-first highways scheme has been completed, creating a safer route for pedestrians and cyclists in Manchester. 

Improvement works on this section – 1b – between Stretford Road to Moss Lane West are finished and is now fully open to all users. 

As part of the Manchester to Chorlton cycling and walking route, Cycle Optimised Protected Signals – or CYCLOPS – junctions have been installed along the route.

Two have now been completed, with a further four planned. 

At the Chorlton Road/Stretford Road junction the CYCLOPS installed is the first to feature diagonal crossings for pedestrians, making their journey across the road even faster. 

This development was encouraged by the positive response to the first CYCLOPS junction that was installed in Royce Road last year. 

These CYCLOPS junctions are designed to protect cyclists from general traffic as well as maximising the opportunity for people walking and on bikes to cross safely. 

The Royce Road Scheme was recognised by road safety group Brake and Road Safety GB, winning the Local Roads Innovation Award at the inaugural Vision Zero Leaders Awards, in November 2020. 

The controlled phases of the lights also make the junction more efficient for cyclists and pedestrians to cross the road. 

This work is the latest milestone in the £13.4m investment which is being made into improving the Manchester to Chorlton cycling and walking route.

“The first CYCLOPS junction which was installed last year has been a great success story,” said Councillor Tracey Rawlins, Manchester City Council.

“Encouraging more people to walk or cycle is a key part of our future plans for the city, and by improving commuter routes we are showing people that walking and cycling is a viable, enjoyable and practical way to travel. 

“To see the value that these projects are generating is incredibly gratifying to see, but there is more to come.

“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.”

Transport Commissioner for Greater Manchester, Chris Boardman, 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 wed 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.”