Cycleway plan paused due to road safety concerns

Charities for blind and visually impaired people have branded floating bus stops as "dangerous"

Work on a new cycleway between Aldgate and Blackfriars has been paused until guidance on floating bus stops is published.

This follows concerns about the risks these types of bus stop pose to visually impaired people.

The City of London Corporation approved the cycleway in October 2024, with two-way protected cycle lanes on Queen Victoria Street, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

However, an officer report recommended pausing the project until the Department for Transport (DfT) and Transport for London (TfL) update their guidance.

Also known as bus stop bypasses, floating bus stops involve a cycle lane running between a bus stop and the pavement.

This allows cyclists to continue riding while passengers board or alight, whilst pedestrians have to cross the cycle path in order to catch a bus.

Cycling groups argue that they are key to reducing road danger and improving cycling safety.

However, groups including the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) and National Federation of the Blind of the UK (NFBUK) have called the bus stops "dangerous" for visually impaired people.

The DfT and TfL plan to release updated guidance on floating bus stops early next year

The DfT paused the rollout of a certain type of the bus stop, which involves a cycle lane running between the bus stop and the kerb, in July.

Updated guidance on all floating bus stops is due from the DfT and TfL in early 2026.

The City of London Corporation's officer's report recommended pausing the cycleway project until this advice is published.

Councillors approved this recommendation on 16 September.

A public consultation on the planned cycleway last year found the majority of respondents (79%) had a positive view of the plans.

However, some respondents did raise concerns over the proposed inclusion of the floating bus stops.