Hackney Floating Bus Stops Spark Safety Fears

Campaigners have strongly criticised Hackney Council's plans to introduce floating bus stops on Queensbridge Road, raising serious safety concerns for disabled residents. The proposals, which involve cycle lanes intersecting bus stop bypasses, have been described as potentially dangerous for visually-impaired and wheelchair users.

Campaigner Concerns Over Safety

John Thornton, a visually-impaired wheelchair user and Dalston resident, expressed fears that the design could lead to serious accidents. He told the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) that the proximity of fast-moving e-bikes and scooters to the bus stop exit presents a significant hazard. 'I can’t see either side as I go down the [bus] ramp. Two and a half metres from the bus is a fast-moving cycle lane, with speeding e-bikes and scooters,' Mr Thornton stated. He added that disabled residents had not been consulted in an accessible manner for the updated scheme, despite a majority rejecting previous proposals for Queensbridge Road.

Sarah Leadbetter, who is also visually-impaired, echoed these concerns, noting that pedestrians cannot adequately detect approaching cycles. Sarah Gayton from the National Federation of the Blind warned that such designs could lead to disabled people being excluded from public spaces, forcing some to rely on taxis or avoid social activities altogether.

Council's Response and Consultation Process

Hackney Council stated that measures are in place to assist disabled navigation, including cycle speed-activated warning signs, distinctive bypass paving, kerb upstands, and textured pavement strips. Councillor Jacob Cable, Cabinet Member for Climate, Clean Air, Energy and Transport, confirmed that the plans are still at a proposal stage and no final decision has been made. He noted that a 21-day statutory public consultation commenced on Friday, September 18, 2026, providing an opportunity for formal objections to be raised and considered.

Cllr Cable also committed to arranging a meeting between Mr Thornton and council officers to discuss the impacts of floating bus stops. He expressed a desire to bring together various stakeholders, including cycle route advocates, accessibility advocates, and transport engineers, to address the complex design challenges.

Mayor of Hackney, Zoë Garbett, faces accusations from Mr Thornton of breaking manifesto promises related to disabled access and consultation quality. While the Hackney Greens' manifesto does not specifically mention floating bus stops, it commits to prioritising inclusion and rights for disabled communities.

Background to Floating Bus Stops

The updated proposals for Queensbridge Road, including floating bus stops, were signed off in July 2026. The council's consultation report justifies their use by citing Department for Transport guidelines for traffic volumes. Floating bus stops are promoted by cycling groups and City Hall as a means to enhance cycling infrastructure and promote sustainable transport.

However, the rollout of one type of floating bus stop, the Shared Use Bus Border, has been paused nationally. The use of bus stop bypasses, where cycle lanes run behind the stop, has continued. Transport for London recently withdrew a report defending floating bus stops amid data quality concerns.

Next Steps

The 21-day statutory public consultation on the Queensbridge Road plans is currently open. Residents are encouraged to submit formal objections and feedback to Hackney Council. Mr Thornton has indicated he will resume his hunger strike if floating bus stops remain on the agenda.