A Transport for London (TfL) report into controversial “floating bus stops” has concluded the risk of pedestrian injury is “very low”.
Data produced in the report indicated only four pedestrian casualties over a three-year period at any of the 164 bus stop bypasses, in which cycle lanes go behind bus stops.
The report was commissioned by the London Mayor’s office following concerns raised by the public.
A petition started by National Federation of the Blind UK (NFB) calling for the design to be banned and which was signed by 270 organisations was handed to 10 Downing Street on 15 May.
The topic was also raised by Baroness Brinton in the House of Lords on 13 May.
In addition to the findings around injury rates, the report says some disabled people were concerned about inconsistent bus bypass design around the capital.
On this issue, TfL’s design audit found more than a third of such stops “vary significantly from our best practice design guidance”. Among the inconsistencies was incorrect tactile paving, no zebra crossing or the bus stop island being too narrow.
From discussions with more than 50 stakeholder groups, TfL found themes of anxiety around accessing the bus stops, cyclist behaviour and under-reporting of collisions to police.
TfL says its next steps include an educational campaign aimed at cyclists and passengers, updating noncompliant bus stop design and reviewing design guidance, and updating bus customer information such as making clear where a journey involves a bus bypass stop.
TfL adds it will also use “innovative trials” to boost safety and complete other research.
In response to the questioning in the House of Lords, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for Transport, Lord Davies of Gower, said the government had commissioned recently completed research led by Transport Scotland. He added that the findings would advise next steps.
