The Parade, Oadby CYCLOPS junction scheme

Scheme overview

The Parade, Oadby CYCLOPS junction scheme proposes to upgrade the junction (of the A6 (Leicester Road and Harborough Road), joining Regent Street, Stoughton Road and The Parade) to a Cycle Optimised Protected Signals (CYCLOPS) layout – the first in Leicestershire. Junctions often have the most conflict points between cyclists and motor traffic. A CYCLOPS junction is designed to improve the safety of cyclists and pedestrians.

CYCLOPS junctions

CYCLOPS junctions increase safety by separating them cyclists and pedestrians from motor traffic. This reduces the risk of collisions or conflict between users.

Key features of CYCLOPS junctions include:

• providing is that cyclists and pedestrians with their own dedicated lanes and signals - the cycle lane will form an orbital cycle route around the junction
• optimising traffic signals for the efficient movement of pedestrians and cyclists to reduce waiting time when crossing the junction

The outer 'ring'

The outer 'ring' of the junction is a dedicated cycle path. It functions like a roundabout with signal-controlled crossings. This design allows cyclists to cross the junction or make right turns safely as they are not unrestricted by cars or pedestrians.

The inner 'ring'

The inner 'ring' is reserved for pedestrians. Pedestrians and cyclists will receive the green light signal at the same time, but on separate paths.

Green light phase

During the green light phase for cyclists and pedestrians, all motor traffic is stopped. Once pedestrians and cyclists have cleared the junction, motor traffic receives the green light signal to carry on as usual.

Manchester City Council, who introduced the first CYCLOPS junction in the United Kingdom, created a video on the how a CYCLOPS junctions works (YouTube).

Benefits of the scheme

CYCLOPS junctions can:

• encourage more people to choose sustainable modes of transport, like biking or walking, helping to reduce carbon emissions and promote healthier lifestyles
• reduce the risk of motor vehicle and cyclist conflicts. Cyclists also have a protected right-hand turn and can filter left without signal control
• encourage better traffic flow by reducing the number of signal stages. This can reduce congestion and mitigate the transport impacts of housing growth along the A6 corridor
• improve accessibility with dedicated facilities and signals. CYCLOPS junctions are designed to be accessible for everyone, including individuals with disabilities or mobility challenges

Funding

The Council was successful in a bid to Active Travel England, the government agency under the Department for Transport responsible for promoting walking, wheeling, and cycling. Active Travel England awarded nearly £900,000 towards the Parade CYCLOPS proposals. The Council is providing a further £1 million from already established active travel budgets.

The budget for the scheme is £1.9 million.

Next steps

Following engagement, a report will be presented to the Lead Member for Environment & Transport. This will summarise the feedback received and includes a recommendation on whether to continue with the project. 

The proposals will undergo detailed design work, where the layout of the junction is finalised. Once Cabinet have approved the project, construction will begin. It is anticipated construction will begin Summer/Autumn 2025 and be completed, Winter 2025.