Waymo's autonomous taxis in London face criticism for programmed bike lane violations, with cycling groups calling the practice "illegal and unsafe." The U.S.-based firm told San Francisco Bike Coalition representatives that pulling into cycle lanes for pickups/dropoffs is "normal practice" despite violating the Highway Code. This follows a lawsuit by cyclist Jenifer Hanki, who suffered a brain injury after a Waymo car blocked a bike lane, leading to a collision with a passenger opening a door. Waymo’s Safe Exit system allegedly failed to warn of the danger, raising questions about its safety protocols.

The company defends its approach, citing customer expectations, while London’s complex streets test its ability to adapt from California’s wide roads. Sensor systems like lidar and radar enable real-time environmental awareness, but campaigners argue the tech struggles with urban chaos. A TikTok video showed a Waymo breaching police cordon tape, sparking debates about risks to emergency personnel. Critics warn driverless taxis might prioritize convenience over cyclist safety, potentially increasing car dependency and congestion.