“Rather ridiculous” – controversial new cycle path to be revised following business complaints

A controversial new trial cycle path that trialed sending traffic down a one-way street in Salford will be rethought following opposition from businesses.

The trial, to change the previously two-way Blackfriars Street into a northbound one-way traffic flow street with two cycle lanes, will be revised after businesses complained about the lack of loading space.

The route stretched from the Manchester City Centre boundary, over the Irwell to the Chapel Street Junction.

This development meant those commuting by bicycle would feel much safer when using a dedicated cycle path that was protected by reflective bollards and raised curbs, while reducing congestion on roads.

This is evident in the 34% increase in cycling trips throughout the city since Covid19 began, to one million journeys per week, according to Salford City Council.

However, concerns about the disruption to local businesses were raised by local businesses and residents who were unhappy with the disruption the changes in traffic flow produced.

Tom Sykes, who represents Touched Interiors on Blackfriars Street said: “Since the interaction of the scheme, our business has suffered severely due to a lack of loading facilities on Blackfriars street.

“In our opinion it’s a rather ridiculous and unnecessary cycle lane on either side of the carriage way, which causes inaccessibility to businesses.”

“The designated loading bay on Booth Street has been inaccessible during the trial period. This has resulted in delivery vehicles driving in between the pavement and the cycle path, on some occasions causing damage to our business.

Mr Sykes says loading vehicles have collided with his awnings and pavement furniture and blames the cycle lanes.

Six of the eight objections to this proposal were related to inadequate ability to load good to businesses on the street.

Mr Sykes also claimed the one-way system required the removal of popular electric charging points for electric vehicles on on the street that aimed to make the city greener. He said:

“It seems a little bit ironic that introduction of the cycle path has then removed the electric charger.”

For these reasons the 18-month trial period will not become a permanent implementation and will need to be revised. The City Council have given a 6 month period for this to occur whilst new ideas are thought up.