There is an estimated 2100km of bus routes in greater London and 250km of bus lanes. Given that 30% of the LCN+ also serves as a bus route it is inevitable that cycle and bus schemes will overlap or in some cases clash.

It is widely considered poor practice to complete a scheme for one mode of transport only to alter it shortly after to suit the needs of another mode. Therefore it is imperative that programmes work together and address each others particular needs.

Joint schemes can have many benefits including time and money savings, robust designs, which take into account multi-modal needs and improved programme strategy. One of the greatest advantages of this kind of approach is in its ability to push through politically sensitive schemes.

Individually a discrete bus or cycle scheme may not have the impetus to convince council members or the public that it has enough merits to be considered for implementation. Together the level of influence increases and the will to implement become stronger and more persuasive.

TfL (CCE) meets every six months with LBPN to consider and resolve issues at a strategic level including design standards and design issues on the flagship routes. One example of the kind of joint approach mentioned above can be seen in the London Borough of Ealing on the Iron Bridge scheme. This scheme is funded by the LCN+ and LBPN programmes.