TfL says floating bus stops pose very low risk after safety review
The review, published 13 November 2026, recorded five cyclist‑related pedestrian deaths, one e‑scooter death and a slight, non‑significant drop in older and disabled boardings at stops with bypasses.
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TfL released a safety review on 13 November 2026 that examined incidents at floating bus stops across London. The document recorded five pedestrian casualties involving cyclists and one involving an e‑scooter during the three‑year period it analysed. By contrast, the review noted 11,400 pedestrians injured in collisions with motor vehicles over the same timeframe.
Scope of floating bus stops
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The review confirmed that both Shared Use Bus Borders (SUBBs) and other floating stop designs together represent 1.5 % of the capital’s 19,000 bus stops. SUBBs place cycle lanes directly in front of the stop, while the alternative design routes cyclists behind the boarding area. Both configurations require passengers to cross a cycle lane to board or alight.
Effect on older and disabled passengers
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TfL compared boarding levels before and after bypass construction between 2019 and 2022. The analysis showed a reduction of up to three per cent in the number of older and disabled passengers using stops where bypasses were built. TfL qualified the finding as not statistically significant, meaning the data does not prove a reliable trend.
“It’s dangerous, discriminatory and disgusting. The Mayor wants to get people cycling without thinking of the impact on people in this city.”
Sarah Gayton, National Federation of the Blind
Responses from officials and campaigners
Sarah Gayton of the National Federation of the Blind criticised the design, saying disabled Londoners are avoiding the stops altogether. The London Assembly recently passed a motion urging a halt to new floating stops, citing safety concerns. London TravelWatch echoed the call for a pause.
Will Norman, London’s Walking and Cycling Commissioner, responded that the data supports TfL’s position that pedestrian risk is extremely low. He added that TfL remains committed to making the infrastructure work for all users.
TfL’s stance, as set out in the review, is that the risk of pedestrians being injured at floating bus stops is very low. The agency plans to continue installing the designs that do not encroach on road space for motorists, while monitoring safety data.
Questions this report answers
+What did TfL’s safety review find about pedestrian deaths at floating bus stops?
The review, dated 13 November 2026, recorded five pedestrian fatalities involving cyclists and one involving an e‑scooter over a three‑year period. TfL said these figures show a very low risk compared with the 11,400 pedestrian injuries caused by motor vehicles in the same period.
+How many of London’s bus stops are floating designs?
TfL’s review states that floating bus stops, including both Shared Use Bus Borders and other types, make up 1.5 % of the city’s 19,000 bus stops. This proportion reflects the total number of such installations across London.
+Did the review show a change in usage by older and disabled passengers?
Boardings by older and disabled passengers fell by up to three per cent at stops where bypasses were built, according to the review. TfL qualified the result as not statistically significant, meaning the data does not confirm a reliable decline.
+What is TfL’s position after the review?
TfL maintains that the risk to pedestrians at floating bus stops is very low. The agency will continue installing designs that avoid taking road space from motorists while keeping the safety data under review, despite calls from campaign groups for a pause.
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