The new-style bike lane, a common feature on city roads in Holland, is designed to make it safer for cyclists passing bus stops. Instead of overtaking a bus, the rider can safely cycle ‘behind’ the bus stop.
A coloured cycleway featuring pedestrian crossing points, including a zebra style crossing, informs riders, pedestrians and bus passengers of the layout so they are also able to watch out for each other.
The first of these bypass lanes is up and running on Oxford Road opposite Whitworth Park and will be used to run a ‘real-time’ trial before more are built.
The new “Dutch-style” cycle lane and bus stop is easy to spot with its eye-catching design featuring tulips, clogs and windmills.
Anyone using it – including cyclists, bus passengers and pedestrians – will be asked for their feedback on the new design.
The new cycleway and bus stop is already available to use in advance of the official two week trial.
Comments will be used to help review and improve the “Dutch-style” design before a further roll-out at stops along the length of Oxford Road.
The scheme will form part of the Wilmslow Road Cycleway which, once complete, will run from Didsbury village through Rusholme and into Manchester city centre.
Councillor Andrew Fender, Chair of the TfGM Committee, said: “This is an exciting scheme that will revolutionise sustainable travel along one of the busiest routes into Manchester city centre, with better access to the universities, healthcare and businesses along the route.
“It’s part of a major investment in our infrastructure that will help us make travel greener and more sustainable while also providing huge benefits for the city’s economy.”
