At a recent Cycle Consultation Forum subgroup, Mark Robinson revealed new plans for a cycle controflow along Cookridge Street into the city centre. This will help cyclists travelling from the University and Millennium Square towards the railway station.
The plan includes signal-controlled crossings at both sides of the junction with Great George St, allowing pedestrians and cycles to cross safely to the RC Cathedral side of Cookridge St. Traffic coming out of the southern section of Cookridge St from the Light shopping centre car park will alternate with the Loop traffic and the new crossing. Car park traffic will also be able to exit further up Great George St which should prevent the congestion problems that had scuppered the scheme previously.
A controflow cycle lane will be provided along the East side of Cookridge Street (left, as you travel from Millennium Sq towards the Headrow), with a phase in the Headrow lights for cyclists to travel along the Headrow or Park Row.
This is great news for cyclists and also for the National Federation for the Blind, who had understandably opposed previous a scheme for a narrow controflow cycle route along the right-hand side of Cookridge St close to, or on, the pavement. A meeting between LCAG officers and Head of Highways and Transportation, Gary Bartlett, has been instrumental in moving this proposal forward. Thanks are also due to all LCAG members for your support!