Cycling summary of TfGM’s latest consultations
Following feedback from members we’ve collated information from TfGM’s Bus Priority scheme on this page, focusing on the elements of the scheme that will affect cyclists. The proposals should improve conditions for existing cyclists, but more importantly they aim to encourage some of the many ‘would be’ cyclists to start cycling.
TfGM have proposed highways changes in parts of Greater Manchester, to improve journeys for bus passengers, cyclists and pedestrians. The two public consultations currently taking place are for the Oxford Road corridor and the Manchester city centre area. These public consultations run until Wednesday 26th June 2013. Update 11/6/2013 – the public consultation period has been extended and will now run until Friday 5th July 2013.
The first definite information about the plans for Oxford Road came in the Vélocity2025 bid document (1.9MB PDF) that was released early in May 2013. On page 18 it stated: “Ambitious plans to bring the best of northern Europe to the best of northern England will transform the Oxford Road into a flagship corridor for people of all ages and all abilities on bikes… Dutch-style full segregation of cycle routes will feature prominently along a 4 mile long flat thoroughfare and will be complemented by reduced speed limits of 20mph.”
Later in May we were invited to a pre-consultation event where we saw copies of the Oxford Road consultation leaflet. This leaflet contains details of the various changes to traffic flows on Oxford Road, the most noticeable change being the removal of general traffic for most sections, with just buses, cycles and pedestrians being able to travel the full length of the route. The leaflet also describes the ‘bus-stop bypass’ cycle lanes but unfortunately it does not clearly state that the cycle lanes proposed for Oxford Road will be protected from motorised traffic. Following feedback from GMCC the consultation website has since been updated and the following information is now listed in the FAQ: “Between the bus stops the cycle lanes will be separated or protected from motorised traffic, either through a kerb, marker or another option currently being trialled in the UK. Further work on the detailed design of the cycle lanes will be carried out after the consultation period.”
The Manchester city centre consultation leaflet contains details of the proposed changes for Portland Street, Princess Street, Sackville Street, Chorlton Street, Aytoun Street, Lever Street and Dale Street. General traffic will be restricted on these streets too, whilst cycling permeability will be maintained or increased. There are currently no proposals for any protected cycle lanes or bus-stop bypasses on any of these streets, but you (and we) can (and will!) suggest improvements for this part of the scheme.
To submit your feedback please use the Oxford Road comments form or the Manchester city centre comments form.
More detailed information is available in the following engineering drawings:
Oxford Road engineering drawing 1 (3.4MB PDF)
Oxford Road engineering drawing 2 (2.6MB PDF)
Manchester city centre engineering drawing (8.6MB PDF)
And in the proposed TRO documents:
Proposed Traffic Regulation Order 1 (0.6MB PDF)
Proposed Traffic Regulation Order 2 (0.6MB PDF)
Proposed Traffic Regulation Order 3 (0.8MB PDF)
Proposed Traffic Regulation Order 4 (0.8MB PDF)
If you would like any more information please contact GMCC, contact TfGM or attend one of the public events listed below and speak to officers from TfGM and Manchester City Council:
Monday 3 June 2013, 2pm – 7pm at Moss Side Powerhouse Library, 140 Raby St, Manchester, Greater Manchester M14 4SQ
Tuesday 4 June 2013, 2pm – 7pm at Cube Gallery, 113-115 Portland Street, Manchester, M1 6DW
Wednesday 5 June 2013, 11am – 5pm at TfGM Piccadilly Online Shop, Piccadilly Gardens, Manchester, M60 1HX
Thursday 6 June 2013, 2pm – 7pm at Shudehill Travelshop, Shudehill, Manchester, M4 2BS
Monday 10 June 2013, 2pm – 7pm at Manchester Deaf Centre, Crawford House, Booth Street East, Manchester, M13 9GH (This event will include information and exhibition materials that are suitable for people with disabilities. A BSL Interpreter will be available at the event.)
Tuesday 11 June, 2pm – 7pm at Manchester Metropolitan University, Atrium Entrance Area, All Saints Campus, Oxford Road, Manchester, M15 6BH
Wednesday 12 June, 12noon – 5pm at Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital, Atrium Entrance Area, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9WL
Thursday 13 June, 2pm – 7pm at The University of Manchester, Sackville Street Building Entrance Hall, Sackville Street, Manchester, M60 1QD
Monday 17 June 2013, 2pm – 7pm at Asda Hulme, 100 Princess Rd, Manchester M15 5AS
Tuesday 18 June, 1pm – 6pm at The University of Manchester, Former Visitors Centre, Whitworth Building, Oxford Road, M13 9PL
Wednesday 19 June 2013, 2pm – 7pm at Fallowfield Library, Platt Lane, M14 7FB
Thursday 20 June 2013, 2pm – 7pm at Brunswick Parish Church, Brunswick Street, Manchester, M13 9TQ
