Campaigners demand 'death trap' floating bus stops be scrapped
The National Federation of the Blind of the UK says the designs prevent disabled and visually impaired people from using public transport.
Trust 60Craft 75Hype 60How this was reported ▾
The central claim is attributed to a named body (NFBUK) and quotes from a named individual with her role.
How well corroborated and evidenced the reporting is. Higher is better.
The article explains why the issue matters, quotes affected parties, and separates fact from comment.
Context, balance and separation of fact from comment. Higher is better.
The headline uses loaded adjectives like 'death trap' and 'shocking' which are not fully supported by the body.
How far presentation runs ahead of substance. Lower is better.
1 source assessed · methodology
Campaigners are demanding the immediate removal of floating bus stops across London, asserting they pose a significant safety risk, particularly to disabled and visually impaired residents. The National Federation of the Blind of the UK (NFBUK) has been vocal for years, arguing that these designs effectively bar vulnerable individuals from accessing public transport. A video shared by NFBUK, illustrating near-misses between cyclists and pedestrians at these stops, has garnered widespread attention online, amplifying the charity's concerns.
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Sarah Gayton, Street Access Campaign Coordinator for NFBUK, stated that the issues at floating bus stops, such as those on Farringdon Street, remain unresolved. She described cyclists frequently failing to stop at designated crossings, making it difficult for visually impaired people to hear approaching bikes due to parallel road noise. Gayton labelled the environment as 'dangerous, chaotic, and discriminatory'.
The charity’s renewed focus on the issue coincides with opposition to the proposed Aldgate, Blackfriars Cycleway scheme. The City of London Corporation approved this cycleway in October 2024, which includes two-way protected cycle lanes on Queen Victoria Street. Despite objections from campaigners regarding the risks posed by floating bus stops to visually impaired individuals, the authority concluded its plans met required standards, with a commitment to incorporate additional measures for disabled users.
Gayton expressed her disappointment with this decision, calling it 'devastating' for blind people and accusing officials of breaking promises. She highlighted that while London's transport network aims for universal accessibility, the current bus stop designs undermine this goal for those who rely on buses when Tube access is limited. She criticised the Mayor of London, Sir Sadiq Khan, for what she perceives as a lack of action on the matter.
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Hyacinth Malcolm, another campaigner, echoed these sentiments, stating that the effectiveness of initiatives like free bus passes is diminished if the buses themselves are inaccessible. She noted that for many, buses are the only viable means of travel, and the current situation restricts their independence.
Calls for government intervention and international parallels
Reports from July indicated that the Government’s disabled persons transport advisory committee (DPTAC) had also called for a halt to new floating bus stops, citing cyclists' refusal to stop at crossings and criticising ministers for downplaying pedestrian fears. A document released under freedom of information laws revealed DPTAC's repeated requests for a pause on these controversial designs.
NFBUK has documented numerous incidents at floating bus stops, including a video showing a collision between a bike and a child in Elephant and Castle, which Gayton claimed was not officially logged. She described the behaviour of some riders as 'terrifying' and stated that passengers are 'one step away from being knocked flying'.
The dangers associated with these designs have been highlighted by international incidents. In October of the previous year, a 60-year-old woman in New York died after being struck by an e-bike while attempting to cross a bike lane after alighting from a bus. This incident underscores the potential for severe consequences.
NFBUK reports that many individuals with sight loss in London are now avoiding buses altogether due to these schemes, leading to increased social isolation. Gayton cited examples of blind residents in the Blackfriars area who are now unable to leave their homes independently.
A Department for Transport spokesperson confirmed that concerns about floating bus stops have been heard and that further research is underway to ensure accessibility in future designs. Funding is available to assist local authorities in modifying existing sites. A City Hall spokesperson stated that the Mayor is committed to safe and sustainable travel for all and welcomed new statutory guidance on floating bus stop design to enhance accessibility while protecting cyclists.
Next Steps
It is unclear if Sir Sadiq Khan will meet with campaigners as previously discussed. The Department for Transport is conducting further research, and funding is available for modifications to existing sites. The City of London Corporation has committed to incorporating additional mitigation measures for disabled users in its cycleway plans.
Questions this report answers
+Why are campaigners demanding floating bus stops be scrapped?
Campaigners, led by the National Federation of the Blind of the UK, argue that floating bus stops create safety hazards. They claim the designs, which place cycle lanes between the pavement and the bus stop, prevent disabled and visually impaired people from safely boarding or alighting buses due to cyclists not always stopping.
+What action has been taken regarding these concerns?
The City of London Corporation approved a cycleway scheme in October 2024 that includes floating bus stops, despite objections. The Department for Transport has paused some floating bus stops and is conducting further research to ensure accessibility, with funding available for modifications to existing sites.
+Has the Mayor of London met with campaigners?
Campaigners state that London Mayor Sir Sadiq Khan promised to meet with them in February 2023 to discuss floating bus stop schemes. However, they report that this meeting has not yet taken place, leading to accusations of the Mayor 'looking the other way' on the issue.
+What are the consequences for visually impaired people?
NFBUK reports that many visually impaired people are avoiding buses altogether due to the perceived danger at floating bus stops, leading to increased social isolation. Some individuals are reportedly unable to leave their homes independently because of the accessibility issues presented by these designs.
WE FILE
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The London Travel Desk assembled this report from the outlets listed below. Language-model drafting is reviewed under human editorial supervision, with scoring notes and corrections kept visible.
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