IS this the world's shortest cycle route?

Motorists have been left scratching their heads after the marked lane sprang up in Prestwich — stretching to a mere 10 yards.

People driving along Rectory Lane noticed green paint in the middle of the road between two traffic islands, with no indication of how riders were supposed to join or leave the new lane.

On Facebook, dozens of people have been speculating what the markings are supposed to mean to road users.

"It beats me," said Parisa Zadeh, while Matt Hurst said: "No cyclist would be in the middle of a road swerving round bollards. It is totally pointless."

Helen Searson said it resembled a giant screwdriver in the middle of the road and Paul Parlby joked it was a cricket pitch that needed stumps adding to it.

But now The Guide can solve the mystery after putting the question to Bury Council.

A council spokesman said: "This is a sheltered right-turn facility for cyclists where they can wait if they are heading down Rectory Lane and then on into St Mary's Park and have to wait for traffic to clear.

"The council's contractors have not quite finished working on this scheme and a small right-turn arrow is needed to be added to the green textureflex.

"Once cyclists have crossed the road, the route goes down a small alleyway before going across St Mary's Road, on a new shared-use crossing facility.

"Once across here, the recognised cycle route enters St Mary’s Park."

He added: "The scheme is part of Transport for Greater Manchester’s cycle city ambition grant initiative.

"This is providing enhanced cycling infrastructure throughout Greater Manchester including in the Prestwich area."