Cyclists in Pinner, northwest London, are being compelled to take evasive maneuvers after a new bike lane was constructed around a BT advertising board. The 'street hub' display on Marsh Road sits directly in the middle of the newly surfaced two-and-a-half-metre-wide path, forcing bikers to weave around it.
Obstruction on the Cycle Lane
White arrows have been marked on the lane directing cyclists around the board, and some have resorted to using the pavement to bypass the obstruction. Despite Harrow Council suggesting the path is not yet in use, photographs show cyclists swerving around the board.
BT stated that the board has been in place since December 2022 and that plans are underway to have it removed. However, campaigners are calling for the issue to be resolved as soon as possible.
Campaigner Response
Simon Munk from the London Cycling Campaign commented: 'It's great news that Harrow's getting a safe cycle track, enabling far more residents to cycle. Obviously BT needs to sort out its ad board placement ASAP, but this kind of mess-up does happen often across London and is just part of the process of delivering changes to our streets to help people walk and cycle more.'
Background of the Cycle Lane
The cycle lane, which is currently under construction, was originally planned in 2023 and will connect Harrow-on-the-Hill station in the west to Pinner Station in the east. The 75-inch BT displays, officially classed as phone boxes, stand nearly three metres tall and include Wi-Fi, USB charging ports, and free call facilities.
Statements from Involved Parties
A BT spokesperson explained: 'We installed the Street Hub on Marsh Road, Pinner in December 2022. A contractor on behalf of Harrow Council has started work to create a cycle path along Marsh Road and this has been done around our existing street hub. We were not made aware prior to the works commencing or the timeframe for the works. In March 2026 we received a request to relocate our Street Hub.'
A Harrow Council spokesperson said: 'We can confirm that the digital screen was installed before construction of the Pinner to Harrow Cycleway began. We have applied for it to be relocated and are working to ensure it is moved as soon as possible. Once the cycleway works are complete and the screen has been removed, cyclists will be able to use the new cycle lane.'
Global has been approached for comment, while TfL declined a request for comment.
