Tulip Cycle Wands at Sussex Gardens, City of Westminster for Westminster City Council with Pitman Tozer Architects, PipSqueak and FM Conway

Tulip Cycle Wands at Sussex Gardens, City of Westminster for Westminster City Council with Pitman Tozer Architects, PipSqueak and FM Conway

 

The Tulip Cycle Wands bring safety and joy to our streets – a softer, sustainable alternative to bulky, utilitarian bollards. Made with recycled plastic, each Tulip allows waste to bloom into beautiful, functional infrastructure that protects cyclists and elevates the streetscape. By reimagining urban design with care for both people and the planet, the Tulips reduce environmental impact and support cities in meeting their climate targets.

 

 

Describe the context of this project, its neighbourhood and people.

 

The Tulip Cycle Wands were designed to make streets safer, greener and more joyful. This mission aligns closely with Westminster City Council’s commitment to promoting active travel and reducing environmental impact. In collaboration with the Council, a two-year trial of the Tulips was installed along Sussex Gardens — a high-traffic residential street — transforming a standard painted cycle lane into a clearly defined, visually engaging route, with the possibility of becoming permanent if well-received by residents. The Tulips introduce gentle vertical separation that improves cyclist safety while elevating the streetscape. This creates a human-centred, welcoming environment that encourages active travel and enriches the street’s spatial character. Made with locally recycled plastic collected in Westminster, the project demonstrates how waste can be upcycled into sustainable urban infrastructure. By providing a safer, vibrant cycling route, the Tulips encourage a shift away from motorised travel, improving air quality. Their playful, distinctive presence also fosters a sense of pride and ownership within the community, giving residents a memorable, joyful feature in their neighbourhood.

 

Tell us what you did and how it was designed and delivered.

 

The Tulips were originally developed as Blooming London, the winning proposal for the London Festival of Architecture 2021 “Caring for Cyclists” competition, which invited participants to reimagine lightweight cycling infrastructure for a post-pandemic London. The design responds to the increased interest in urban cycling during lockdown and the need to move beyond temporary, painted cycle lanes. The Tulips were conceived as a softer, more sustainable alternative to bulky bollards that often dominate cycle lanes. Traditional bollards not only detract from the streetscape’s visual character, but can also pose safety risks to cyclists if poorly maintained. By reimagining street infrastructure as something that protects and uplifts, the Tulips create an experience reminiscent of cycling through a field of flowers. Each Tulip is made with locally recycled plastic, repurposing waste into beautiful yet functional street infrastructure. Their flexibility reduces the risk of injury to cyclists upon collision, while retroreflective surfaces enhance visibility. Following Westminster City Council’s approval in 2023, the team carried out two years of collaborative prototyping and on-road testing to achieve the required performance. The Tulips were then installed along Sussex Gardens and unveiled by the Lord Mayor of Westminster in 2025. Community engagement included a workshop conducted at Hampden Gurney School, where students learned how the Tulips could make cycling joyful. Students also decorated the Tulip heads, fostering a sense of ownership over the cycle lane. Through their form and presence, the Tulips weave softness, movement and joy into the urban fabric — redefining the possibilities of street infrastructure.

 

What is the social and environmental impact of the project?

 

The Tulips have transformed Sussex Gardens into a safer, more uplifting space for the community. Their playful design brings colour and character to the streets while improving cyclist safety. Feedback from residents and cyclists show strong appreciation for the Tulips — many believe they make the route safer, revitalise the streetscape, and encourage greater use of the cycle lane. Most also prefer them to conventional cycling barriers, viewing them as a reflection of care and creativity in urban design. By creating an attractive and safe cycling experience, the Tulips improve the quality and accessibility of the local cycling network. This encourages more people to choose active travel over motor vehicles, helping to reduce car dependency, emissions, and congestion. This contributes to Westminster’s wider sustainability goals by improving air quality and promoting healthier, more liveable streets. Beyond their function, the Tulips have also become a local point of pride — a playful landmark that strengthens residents’ sense of ownership and connection to their neighbourhood.