Campaigners have called for an immediate halt to new floating bus stops due to safety fears for blind passengers. A video posted on X went viral and it shows pedestrians being forced to dodge dozens of cyclists who ignored a zebra crossing across a bike lane in Farringdon Street.
During the two minute clip two elderly women were forced to wait to access the bus stop, while one cyclists who did comply with the crossing was hit from behind by someone on an e-scooter. The National Federation of the Blind (NFBUK) posted the video to show the disastrous impact these floating bus stops can have on blind passengers who are unable to jump out of the way, says MyLondon.
“The unpredictability of cyclists means we can’t use them at all. It totally restricts our ability to go out,” said campaigner Andrew Hodgson. “There’s a significant number of blind people who don’t use the bus by themselves anymore due to this. I know some who get extremely upset.
“They find some of their journeys are impossible without using these bus stops.”
Andrew attempted to use the floating bus stop in Chiswick once earlier this year, but ended up missing the crossing and almost walking down a side street. He believes there is no way they can feasibly work in London.
“Buses are one of our main modes of transport, ” he continued. “We don’t want any new bus stop bypasses and the current ones in place have to be taken out.”
NFBUK is currently lobbying politicians to amend the Bus Services Bill, currently on the committee stage in Parliament, to limit the number of floating bus stops being introduced.
Campaigner Sarah Gayton said: “Blind people can’t drive and can’t cycle. They’re not the problem when it comes to limiting car traffic on the road, but are now the ones most affected.”
Despite these fears, Transport for London said there has not been a drop in older or disabled passengers using buses since floating bus stops were introduced.
A spokesperson said: “Keeping everyone travelling in the capital safe is our top priority and we’re determined to ensure that changes to London’s roads work for everyone.
“Bus stop bypasses are an important part of delivering safer and more inclusive cycling infrastructure, and improving road safety. People cycling must follow the rules of the road and stop at zebra crossings and we are working on measures to increase awareness of bus stop bypasses among cyclists.
“We continue to work with disabled people and accessibility groups to discuss infrastructure on our network and this includes ongoing work to inform future design policy for accessible bus stops.”
(Pic: NFBUK)
