Safety concerns over cycle lane innovations in Manchester
- Mar 31, 2016
- EmmaArnold
A new strategy from the government was launched this week aiming to encourage people to walk and cycle.
This includes ambitions to reduce the rate of cyclists killed or seriously injured on the roads by introducing various measures throughout the UK.
Here in Greater Manchester, we have seen protected cycle lanes introduced in Salford where the lane is physically divided, known as light segregation, to deter vehicles from entering the mandatory cycle lane. (Pictured right)
This type of segregated cycle lane is relatively new to the UK and so this trial site in Salford was used to test the durability of the dividers and understand the effectiveness of all road users.
Meanwhile, in the city centre on Portland Street, the new cycle lanes which were introduced last month have made some journeys more dangerous for cyclists, according to campaigners.
This is due to the issue of buses cutting directly across the cycle lane to turn on Piccadilly (watch video below)
Jeremy Smith, Solicitor at PotterReesDolan, said:
As a regular commuting cyclist, I'm interested to hear of the government’s stated commitment to encouraging walking and cycling and making cycling safer.
It remains to be seen as to whether they will actually provide the resources. It will also be very important for any ‘improvements’ to have proper consultation and input from experienced cyclists and cycling organisations.
The new cycle lanes with light segregation in Salford look interesting but the new cycle lanes in central Manchester appear to have made the situation worse and actually increased the risk of being flattened by a bus!
A biking website has even added the cycle lanes in a top 12 list of the country's most dangerous cycle lanes.