Calls to halt the installation of controversial “floating” bus stops, which place pedestrians crossing cycle lanes to board buses, were allegedly ignored by ministers, according to a disability charity. The Government’s Disabled Persons Transport Advisory Committee (DPTAC) had repeatedly advised pausing new installations, citing concerns that cyclists were not yielding to pedestrians at associated zebra crossings, thereby endangering vulnerable users. Despite these warnings, the rollout continued until a government pause was eventually implemented in November, though some groups now advocate for a complete cessation of all such designs.

Concerns Over Pedestrian Safety at Floating Bus Stops

Floating bus stops, designed to prevent cyclists from overtaking stationary buses, have become a focal point of safety debates. A key issue is the design, which often requires passengers, including the elderly and children, to cross a dedicated cycle lane to reach the bus. Research and anecdotal evidence, including videos shared online, suggest a significant number of cyclists fail to stop or yield to pedestrians at the zebra crossings leading to these stops. This has led to numerous near-misses and, in some cases, collisions.

The DPTAC, an expert committee advising ministers on the needs of disabled people, expressed its reservations in a 2025 report marked “official – sensitive.” This report, uncovered through a Freedom of Information request, detailed the committee’s consistent stance for a pause on new floating bus stop installations pending further comprehensive research. The committee found that existing government research “somewhat underplays the concerns expressed by disabled people.”

DPTAC’s Recommendations and Government Response

The DPTAC report explicitly stated: “For the record we would wish to restate that, as set out in our [2024] advice, our position remains that there should be a pause on all new installations until further research is complete.” The committee also called for greater emphasis on “calming measures to alert cyclists of the need for a change in behaviour, to slow down and give way to pedestrians.” Critically, the report noted that the draft guidance seemed to suggest that “cyclists should not be inconvenienced by such measures,” a sentiment the DPTAC strongly opposed.

Sarah Gayton, from the National Federation of the Blind of the UK, which brought the DPTAC report to light, has been a vocal critic. She stated that the information contained within the report, which indicates ministerial awareness of the risks, raises questions about adherence to the ministerial code. Gayton has called for an immediate and complete halt to all floating bus stops, expressing disappointment with the perceived lack of action and alleging that disabled people are treated with “contempt.”

Types of Floating Bus Stops and Associated Risks

Floating bus stops encompass various designs. One common type is the “bus stop bypass,” where a cycle lane is routed between the pavement and the bus shelter. Another is the “bus boarding island,” which directs cyclists between the bus stop and a raised kerb used by passengers to board. The Department for Transport has since revised its guidance, no longer recommending “shared use bus boarders,” a design that forces passengers to board or alight directly onto cycle paths.

Beyond DPTAC, other organizations have voiced significant concerns. The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association has urged a complete halt to all forms of floating bus stops until their safety can be unequivocally proven. Their own testing indicated that trained guide dogs instinctively avoid these stops, perceiving them as unsafe for their handlers. Professor Nick Tyler of University College London, who led some of these tests in a simulated environment, characterized these combined bus stop and cycle path areas as “conflict zones.”

Ongoing Research and Future of Floating Bus Stops

In November, the Department for Transport did implement a pause on the installation of certain types of floating bus stops. A spokesperson for the department acknowledged that concerns from various groups, including DPTAC and disability charities, have been carefully considered. The department stated that further research is currently underway to ensure that accessibility remains a central consideration in the design of these facilities. Additionally, funding is being made available to assist local authorities in modifying existing problematic sites.

Despite the pause and ongoing research, the debate continues regarding the fundamental safety and viability of floating bus stops. Critics argue that the inherent conflict between pedestrian and cyclist movement in these shared spaces cannot be adequately mitigated through design changes alone. They advocate for a return to traditional bus stop designs that clearly separate pedestrian waiting areas from active cycle routes, ensuring a safer environment for all users, particularly those with mobility impairments or visual difficulties.

Conclusion: Prioritizing Safety in Urban Infrastructure

The controversy surrounding floating bus stops highlights a critical challenge in urban planning: balancing the promotion of cycling infrastructure with the paramount need for pedestrian safety, especially for vulnerable groups. The DPTAC’s repeated warnings, which appear to have been initially disregarded, underscore the importance of heeding expert advice from disability advocates. As further research is conducted and existing sites are reviewed, the focus remains on whether these designs can ever be made truly safe or if a complete discontinuation is the only responsible course of action to prevent further incidents and ensure public confidence in transport infrastructure.