Injury at new CYCLOPS junction in Cambridge as video indicates confusion
A video released to promote the completion of the new King’s Hedges junction in Cambridge appears to show cyclists switching from the cycle to a pedestrian lane, and edging into the road before pulling back.
The video, from the Greater Cambridge Partnership, swiftly prompted questions over whether users understand the new Cycling Optimised Protected Signals (CYCLOPS) junction on Milton Road, which is the city’s second, following another in Histon Road.
It has provoked comments on social media with one person saying the cyclists seem “baffled” by the junction and another suggesting they do not know how to use the crossing.
“The cyclists top left have no idea whatsoever of how to use the junction, let alone understand they stop at the end,” the resident wrote.
The Cambridge Independent is also aware of one incident in which a pedestrian was injured following a collision with a bicycle, not long after the work was completed.
A GCP spokesperson said: “We would like to thank everyone who has been using the new CYCLOPS junction at King’s Hedges so far.
“As has been highlighted on social media, new pieces of infrastructure can take a little getting used to, which is why we produced a film in the summer showing how they should be used if you are a pedestrian, cyclist or a driver.
“Across the country, the CYCLOPS design is changing the way roads are being built as traditionally junctions are seen as an intimidating place for people not travelling in a car, with this design improving the experience for people travelling on foot and by bike.”
The CYCLOPS junction follows one on Histon Road that has been in use for three years. The junction aims to improve the experience for people walking, wheeling or cycling.
CYCLOPS junctions segregate pedestrians and cyclists from motorised traffic. Cyclists and pedestrians can cross the junction at the same time while being separated from motorised traffic, and cyclists can make a left turn at the junction without needing to wait at traffic lights.
The junction is part of a raft of improvements being delivered as part of the GCP’s Milton Road project which aims to enhance bus and active travel and journeys along this key route in and out of Cambridge.
The GCP released a video explainer of the junction in May ahead of the junction becoming fully operational on Friday, 13 September.
All major work on the Milton Road project is expected to be completed by the end of September, with the remaining residual works being picked up in the following weeks.
For the latest construction updates visit the project page at greatercambridge.org.uk.
