New footage has emerged showing cyclists failing to stop for pedestrians at "floating bus stops" in London, prompting criticism from disability campaigners who argue the infrastructure makes the city a "nightmare" for the blind and visually impaired.
Under Mayor Sadiq Khan, Transport for London (TfL) has implemented floating bus stops, a design that positions cycle lanes either between the pavement and the bus stop, or between the bus stop and the buses. The video captures multiple instances where cyclists do not yield to pedestrians attempting to cross the road, including near-misses where cyclists pass close to individuals on designated zebra crossings.
According to the Highway Code, cyclists are required to give way to pedestrians at zebra crossings. However, a TfL report indicated that 60% of cyclists do not acknowledge these floating bus stops. This has led to concerns that individuals with visual impairments, the elderly, and parents with prams are forced into dangerous situations when trying to board buses.
Sarah Gayton, from the National Federation of the Blind UK (NFBUK), stated that these bus stops are "never be safe for the blind" and that blind, elderly, and disabled individuals are avoiding public transport due to the difficulty of crossing these roads. She accused the current administration of designing disabled people out of the public transport system.
Concerns about the safety of floating bus stops were amplified in 2024 when NFBUK released footage of a child being struck by a cyclist at a floating bus stop in Elephant and Castle. Reports indicate that the cyclist commented, "Is he deaf? I rang the bell," a remark that NFBUK's Ms. Gayton argued did not excuse the incident and highlighted the need for awareness of those who may be unable to hear approaching cyclists.
Further compounding these issues, it was revealed earlier this year that the design of these floating bus stops does not conform to British Standards recommendations. Guidance issued by the British Standards Institution (BSI) in 2018 advised against directing pedestrians into the path of cyclists when boarding or alighting buses. Despite this, the rollout of these designs has continued.
The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association has also called for a halt to the deployment of all forms of floating bus stops until their safety can be verified. Tests conducted by Professor Nick Tyler of University College London in a simulated environment described these bus stop and cycle path configurations as "conflict zones." He noted that such designs can lead to visually impaired individuals relying more on taxis, reducing their independence and social engagement.
While TfL reports five pedestrian casualties involving cyclists and one involving an e-scooter over a three-year period, campaigners suggest the actual number is likely higher. Ms. Gayton emphasized that the aim is not to oppose cycling but to find alternative solutions that do not endanger vulnerable road users.