🚴♀️ Electric bikes and scooters are becoming a real menace for blind and partially sighted people, according to a new report by the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB). These high-speed rides, often left on pavements, are turning our streets into a “nightmare.”
😟 Only 9% of blind people feel confident navigating their neighbourhood, with 92% having to step into roads to dodge obstacles. Alarmingly, over a third have bumped into street barriers recently, posing a real threat to their safety and independence.
👩🦯 One individual shared how their guide dog had to be withdrawn because navigating cluttered pavements became too stressful. Others express how worrying it is to not hear e-scooters racing past them, causing mental strain as they rethink their journeys.
🏙️ With dockless rental schemes popping up everywhere, users are encouraged to park thoughtfully, but sadly, that’s often not the reality we see. RNIB is urging the Government to roll out “inclusive standards” for pavements and prompting local authorities to ensure pathways remain accessible, especially during roadworks.
🛴 The Department for Transport highlights that private e-scooters are illegal on public roads, and they plan to introduce new powers to curb disruptive parking issues. Meanwhile, legal trials for rental e-scooters continue in various towns and cities.
📊 In 2023, 52 pedestrians in England were seriously injured in collisions with e-scooters. As e-scooters and e-bikes become more common, it’s crucial to balance innovation with safety and inclusivity for all road users.
Let’s ensure our streets remain safe and welcoming for everyone! #SafetyFirst #InclusiveTransport