Disabled protesters slam proposed 'Russian Roulette' floating bus stops in Hackney

Disabled protesters in Hackney say proposed “floating” bus stops would create what they call a “Russian Roulette” scenario for people with visual impairments. The council’s scheme was first consulted in November 2025, covering Queensbridge Road with new cycle lanes, traffic controls and the removal of 33 parking spaces. A revised version approved in July 2026 added bypasses—floating bus stops—intersected by the cycle lanes. John Thornton, a visually impaired wheelchair user, told the Local Democracy Reporting Service he cannot see either side on the ramp and would be pushed into fast-moving cycle traffic. He protested at Hackney Town Hall on Sept. 16 and said he planned a hunger strike until changes are made.