Video: Critical analysis of proposed cycling provisions on Manchester’s Oxford Road

Whilst we're on the subject of TfGM's lack of provision for cyclists, the new traffic lights they've installed along the new tram-line out to the airport have right filters triggered by transducers that don't detect bikes.

For example the right turn off Hollyhedge Road near the Martinscroft tram stop - I've sat at the ASL in the right turn lane and watched the main lights turn green 3 times before giving up and having to RLJ. Other cyclists I meet have said similar things about other junctions.

Eff all use having a nicely painted green ASL box at a junction if you're just sat in it waiting for a light to change/car to arrive also wanting to turn right/hell to freeze over.

I ride along here every day, and I've generally defended this most recent iteration of these plans. They're a vast improvement on what's there, and generally an improvement on the previous proposals.

But... This video makes excellent points. Props to lastwheel for taking the time. It's fair to say that:
- the areas to the north and south will still be grim. South (the curry mile) will be covered by other schemes, but the city centre is a let down.
- there are some omissions in the bypasses, segregation, etc.
- the segregation is still too light in most places and I'm pretty sure that without enforcement taxis will stop in the cycle path.
- most conflict takes place at junctions (see here), and they aren't covered. It's rare for cyclists to be well catered for at junctions in the UK but that's no excuse.

TfGM have NEVER listened to local campaign groups or cyclists and this is the result.

Local councils are now not equipped with sufficient staff with the expertise to deal with these projects, as clearly demonstrated here.

Myself and other activists have had persistent issues with TfGM and Manchester council, they fail to respond to the most basic of problems.

They are not fit to undertake the work, ANOTHER wasted opportunity and more wasted money.

I suppose the bus operators might be happy though !

A certain echelon of cyclists will be happy to have a car free lane that they can cruise at 32kph and take primary position free from overtaking.

Some others with take a motor vehicle free gentle winding lane all to themselves.

Some others who fall between these two groups will find themselves at the wrong place at the wrong time.

Sharply angled bike paths, you know it's not designed by a cyclist when you see that.

Edit (after watching the video):

Ye gods it's bloody awful, it's even worse than simple get out of the way cyclists.

Jesus Christ, that;s damned awful planning. Almost as bad as Swansea's complete lack of inner city provision.

Can't see myself using the cycle lanes - not only are they badly designed they would also double the distance with all the detours.

Well done that man. Beautiful critique of what will be my daily commute.

The genius of the "give bus drivers even more excuse" project is that the route most of us take South has already been ruined to facilitate this next phase of work. Not one iota of infrastructure has appeared on upper brook street but there is room for 3 lanes of traffic and 10 pedestrian width pavement.

Best thing about this section of the route is the proximity of A&E when people inevitably get hit.

I for one will be emailing this link to the address at the end of the video and may cc elected representatives in too.

Manchester's cycling infrastructure is 'designed' by the Highways Department.
They have no expertise or, it would seem, any desire to implement decent, properly segregated provision.
These current proposals will take an age to be built and they are already decades behind continental standards.
The user experience of you average Mancunian cyclist will improve not one iota.

I would love to not be a grumpy old git about this and celebrate these proposals but they are, at best, mediocre and at worst counterproductive.