Collision between a tram and a child cyclist near to Audenshaw tram stop

At around 19:25 hrs on 1 September 2021, a tram travelling on the Manchester Metrolink system struck and seriously injured a child cyclist.

The accident occurred on the East Manchester tram line, between Audenshaw and Droylsden tram stops, at the junction of Droylsden Road and Kershaw Lane. Trams run ‘on-street’ at this location. The cyclist involved was crossing Droylsden Road at a ‘Puffin’ pedestrian crossing, which is controlled by road traffic and pedestrian signal lights.

Our investigation will seek to identify the sequence of events which led to the accident. It will also consider:

• The design and configuration of the crossing which the cyclist was using.
• How the design and operation of the crossing was risk assessed.
• The relevant legislation and industry guidance which deals with the design and configuration of pedestrian crossings where trams run ‘on-street’.
• Any relevant underlying factors.

Our investigation is independent of any investigation by the railway industry or by the industry’s regulator, the Office of Rail and Road.

We will publish our findings, including any recommendations to improve safety, at the conclusion of our investigation. This report will be available on our website.

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