London’s first tulip cycle lane: Recycled plastic, inspired design, and a bold vision for safer cycling

Sussex Gardens in Westminster is about to get a joyful new look, thanks to recycled plastic, inspired design, and a bold vision for safer cycling.

Trialling a new way to make London’s cycle lanes safer, greener, and more beautiful, on Sunday, May 25, people will be able to come and see a vibrant rainbow of Tulip Cycle Wands, installed along Sussex Gardens, as well as being amongst the first of the city’s cyclists to ride the new installation.

Designed by award-winning architects Pitman Tozer, the flexible tulip-shaped wands are made with recycled plastic collected by Westminster City Council.

The official opening of the installation, by the newly appointed Lord Mayor of Westminster, Paul Dimoldenberg, also coincides with the London Cycling Festival.

As part of the official opening of London’s first ever tulip cycle lane, the London Cycling Campaign is leading a ride in Westminster, taking in Sussex Gardens and the new Tulip Cycle Wands on their way.

Local schoolchildren from Hampden Gurney School have also helped decorate special tulips at each end of the installation, ensuring the project has deep community roots from the outset.

Luke Tozer, Director of Pitman Tozer Architects, said: “We believe cities can be safer, greener, and more beautiful all at once. The Tulip Cycle Wands show how small, joyful changes can make a big difference, not just for cyclists, but for everyone moving through the city.”

What?

Westminster City Council are trialling Tulip Cycle Wands, a safe and beautiful new approach to marking out cycle lanes.

When?

● 11.30 am to 1 pm Sunday 25th May
● 12 noon – Lord Mayor of Westminster, Paul Muldenberg, cuts the ribbon to open the first tulip cycle lane
● 12.30 pm to 1 pm – refreshments with us in The Monkey Puzzle Pub, Sussex Gardens

Where?

Sussex Gardens (between Southwick St and Radnor Place, South Side)

Background

Pitman Tozer’s idea won a competition run by the London Festival of Architecture to reimagine how London could better protect cyclists while improving the built environment.

Now, with the support of Westminster City Council, these unique tulips are ready for their two-year trial. If they prove popular, they could be coming to the streets all over London, and beyond.

The Tulip Cycle Wands:

● Bring colour and joy to London’s cycle network, creating a safer, more inviting cityscape for everyone.
● Are made from waste, turning recycled plastics into urban art.
● Are safe for cyclists and more visible for drivers.