London Assembly calls for halt to floating bus stops
Concerns over safety for vulnerable pedestrians lead to a call for a pause in installations.
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The London Assembly has called for an immediate halt to the installation of floating bus stops, with members expressing fears for public safety. A motion passed by 17 votes to three highlighted concerns for partially sighted, older, and disabled Londoners using the infrastructure. These stops feature a cycle lane that runs behind the passenger waiting area, separating it from the main pavement.
Safety Concerns Raised
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Keith Prince AM, who proposed the motion, stated that the increasing number of collisions and near misses could not be overlooked. He argued that all Londoners should be able to board buses without safety concerns, but that floating bus stops put pedestrians at risk, particularly vulnerable groups. Campaign organisations have previously voiced opposition, labelling the infrastructure a significant hazard for blind, deaf, and disabled commuters.
The Assembly cited several incidents across the capital. These included a disabled man in Camden who was struck by an e-bike rider after disembarking a bus, with the bus driver reporting similar events at the same location. Footage was also presented showing a child being hit by a cyclist while crossing a cycle lane to reach a bus stop in south London. Another incident involved a pedestrian being knocked down by a cyclist near St Thomas' Hospital. Videos also depicted cyclists passing very close to wheelchair users and blind pedestrians at a stop in Waltham Forest.
Every Londoner should be able to get on and off a bus without fearing for their safety. Yet floating bus stops are putting pedestrians at risk, particularly blind, partially sighted, elderly and disabled Londoners.
Keith Prince AM
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Transport for London's Position
Transport for London (TfL) has stated it will pause bus stop designs that require passengers to step directly into a cycle lane. However, work continues on three floating bus stops where cyclists pass behind the waiting area. A TfL spokesperson affirmed the organisation's commitment to making its network accessible and noted adherence to government guidance on floating bus stops, which they stated are important for protected cycle infrastructure and road safety. TfL also indicated ongoing collaboration with disabled people, older Londoners, and accessibility groups to understand experiences and identify improvements.
Next Steps
The motion passed by the London Assembly requests the Mayor of London to instruct TfL to pause all installations of floating bus stops, regardless of their specific design. The outcome of this request and TfL's subsequent actions regarding the ongoing installations remain to be seen.
Questions this report answers
+What is a floating bus stop?
A floating bus stop, also known as a bus stop bypass, is a road layout where a dedicated cycle lane runs behind the passenger waiting area. This design aims to separate cyclists from the main pavement and bus passengers.
+Why has the London Assembly called for a pause?
The London Assembly has called for a pause due to safety concerns, particularly for partially sighted, older, and disabled Londoners. They cited several incidents involving collisions and near misses between cyclists, e-bike riders, and pedestrians at these stops.
+What is Transport for London's response?
TfL has paused designs where passengers step directly into a cycle lane but continues work on other floating bus stop designs where cyclists pass behind the waiting area. They state they are committed to accessibility and improving road safety.
+What happens next with floating bus stops?
The London Assembly's motion asks the Mayor of London to instruct TfL to pause all floating bus stop installations. The decision on whether to implement this pause and TfL's future actions are pending.
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