'It's been a problem for nine years.. they still haven't learned their lesson'
11.05.2024 - 08:17
/ manchestereveningnews.co.uk
The implementation of a cycle lane wouldn't be a problem for most people. But for John Houston, who is visually impaired, it was to prove a grave danger.
His regular commute to work via Oxford Road into Manchester was thrown into chaos following a new cycle lane in 2015 and its zebra crossing. It meant he had no view of oncoming cyclists and could be left waiting for minutes at a time to be told by a passer by it was safe for him to cross.
The alternative would be to ‘risk it’ - something he was not willing to do.
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Most people could just look both ways for a cyclist and then just nip across. But for him that is not an option, he would be putting himself in danger by blindly stepping into the cycle lane, as a cyclist is difficult to hear.
Despite years of campaigning for change, it was only when he retired from his work as an IT consultant that the battle with the dreaded cycle lane ended.
The 70-year-old claims that despite everything he has campaigned for, this problem is continuing with a similar cycle lane scheme implemented in Castleton in Rochdale.
John explained that although the Oxford Road scheme is not associated with crossing to get a bus like in Castleton, there is still the feeling that the minority in society that are blind or partially sighted are being overlooked.
A spokesperson for TfGM said the design of the cycle lane and crossings at the junction with Grafton Street 'requires cyclists to stop for pedestrians.' They added that a member of the transport department had offered an invitation to meet with Mr Houston.
The former Didsbury resident would travel to the office near Manchester University via a pedestrian