“This is possibly the first roundabout of its kind in the country” – Salford’s new cycle roundabout unveiled

Salford’s first cycle lane roundabout – thought to be the first of its kind in the country – is now open.

The roundabout is part of the Trafford Road improvement scheme, which is Salford’s biggest ever road improvement, and has been backed with £20 million funding from the council.

It has been designed to help cyclists negotiate a crossroads of cycle lanes – one north-south along Trafford Road and the other east-west from Broadway and Rowland Street.

The council says the roundabout provides the safest solution for cyclists and pedestrians. It was created following extensive consultation with members of the public, cyclists and groups representing people with visual impairment.

Councillor Mike McCusker, who is lead member for planning and sustainable development, said: “This is possibly the first roundabout of its kind in the country, so it is certainly creating some debate and we have had a lot of positive feedback.

“The roundabout allows pedestrians to cross the junction safely in two short moves so they only have to be aware of one lane of cycle traffic at a time. It provides a quicker crossing for them and is safer than trying to cross a wider junction with traffic from both directions. It has been designed to accommodate people on foot or in wheelchairs or pushing buggies.

“Cyclists circulate round it like a ‘normal’ road roundabout so they, too, can get round this junction safely without putting pedestrians in danger.”

The improvement scheme as a whole – designed to calm traffic and reduce pollution – has provoked extensive public backlash due to the length of time the roadworks have taken.

Salford resident, Jonathan Colquit, said: “It’s not been short term pain. There’s now more traffic, there is more pollution to the environment.”

However, the council has repeatedly reiterated the importance of the scheme throughout the roadworks.

As well as the new roundabout, a mile of segregated cycle track has also been introduced as part of a package of measures to encourage more cycling along with new crossings and signals.