Launch of RNIB Seeing Streets Differently Report
Season 1, Episode 994, Oct 28, 2021, 09:00 AM
Today Thursday 28 October 2021 RNIB launches the 'Seeing Streets Differently' report highlighting the issues blind and partially sighted people face on a day-to-day basis, when navigating streets, pavements, and other pedestrianised areas whether that is to get to work, go shopping, seeing friends or just going for a walk.
RNIB Connect Radio’s Toby Davey caught up with Zoe Courtney, RNIB Policy and Campaigns Officer to find out a bit more about the 'Seeing Streets Differently' report and discuss some of the findings from the report.
A number of the main issues that were highlighted in the report by blind and partially sighted people included; a big increase in quiet vehicles like electric cars, bikes and e-scooters on streets, a lack of vital street landmarks such as detectable curbs and pelican crossings, pavement parking, bins and overhanging shrubbery, dockless rental bikes and e-scooters and the easing of lockdown measures has also made independent travel more difficult, with many bars and cafes taking up vital pavement space which impacts on cane users and those with guide dogs.
Key findings from the report found:
- Seventy eight per cent (78%) of blind and partially sighted people surveyed said walking journeys were their only, or main, form of outdoor physical exercise
- Eighty two per cent (82%) of respondents said bicycles affected their ability to make walking journeys, with many who identified bikes as an issue reported being run into by a cycle, had experienced near misses or had concerns about being knocked over
- Cycling on pavements or other pedestrian spaces was specifically mentioned by just over one in three respondents
- One in four respondents specifically mentioned pavement parking as a barrier when asked what made walking journeys harder or easier
To find out more about the new report, Seeing streets differently: How changes in our streets and vehicles are affecting the lives of blind and partially sighted people and how you can lend your support do visit the RNIB website - https://www.rnib.org.uk
(Image shows RNIB logo. 'RNIB' written in black capital letters over a white background and underlined with a bold pink line, with the words 'See differently' underneath)