CYCLOPS

A Cycle Optimised Protected Signals junction is a form of traffic signal controlled junction created originally in Greater Manchester by signal engineers from Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) supported by what later became Active Travel England. The design is notable for having dedicated cycle tracks which are fully protected from all other traffic by either time or space, as well as being optimised to allow cycle movements to run in conjunction with other phases during a stage. They are distinct from the Netherlands type protected intersection often seen in London and other cities in that the cycle routes run around the 'outside' so pedestrian crossings can run diagonally across junctions where required.

A standard CYCLOPS junction will have a cycle track running around the junction parallel with pedestrian crossings, there is an all-phases pedestrian & cycle stage which allows cyclists to proceed ahead or right in one stage in their own space and no conflicts. Left turns can be made by cyclists, usually at any time.

The first installation was commissioned in 2020 on the A5067 Chorlton Road in Hulme, as a trial location which featured advance stop lines that have not been emulated at other locations. Other junctions followed, with bespoke examples situated along the A5063 Trafford Road, including the first CYCLOPS on a dual carriageway and the first to feature a tram line crossing through the middle of it. The first example to be placed at a GSJ was at the Springfield Interchange on the A666 in Bolton. This features a bizarre 270 degree loop to allow cyclists to cross in conjunction with traffic exiting the southbound A666.

LTN 1/20 was published without reference to CYCLOPS junctions so many local authorities are reluctant to adopt them, although later TfGM publicity and documentation was released and the first example outside of Greater Manchester was commissioned in Cambridge on Histon Road.

Notable CYCLOPS junctions in the UK

Some notable CYCLOPS junctions: (links are to news sites containing photographs of the junctions)

• Hulme, Manchester
  • Google Maps link - note that the next two junctions south of this one are also CYCLOPS junctions!
• Newport Street / Trinity Street, Bolton
  • Google Maps link
• Histon Road, Cambridge
  • Google Maps link
• Milton Road / King's Hedges, Cambridge
  • Google Maps link - note that neither aerial view nor street view have been updated to show the new layout yet

This list may be incomplete.