Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) and Manchester City Council is trialling a ‘floating bus stop’ on the busy Oxford Road bus corridor.
The stop is what TfGM is called a ‘Dutch-style’ bus stop and cycle lane. It is designed to make it safer for cyclists passing bus stops, as 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, aims to inform 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 has an 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.
Councillor Andrew Fender, Chairman 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.”
