Vibrant, tulip-shaped bollards have emerged in central London as part of an initiative to distinguish cyclist zones from vehicle traffic while introducing a lively burst of color.

Crafted from recycled plastics, these bollards have been positioned to line the cycling lanes along Sussex Gardens in Westminster.

Taking inspiration from the poppy installations at the Tower of London and the sunflower fields featured during the Tour de France, the bollards are designed to enhance visibility for motorists.

According to Luke Tozer, director at Pitman Tozer Architects, the firm involved in their design, “The aim was to ensure the safety of cyclists while also infusing a sense of joy into the streets.”

To ensure their durability in an urban setting, extensive testing was conducted, including trials with trucks running over them and cyclists colliding with the bollards.

Designer Alex Douglas remarked, “I began working on this project back in 2022, so it’s wonderful to finally see it implemented on the streets.”

The unveiling of the bollards was marked by a ribbon-cutting event that featured the newly appointed Lord Mayor of Westminster, Paul Dimoldenberg, along with BBC presenter Jeremy Vine and social media star Sigrid, the adventurous deaf cat who explores London via bike with her owner, Travis Nelson.