A charity that supports blind people is calling for “dangerous” floating bus stops to be redesigned and installation of new ones halted.
But cycling campaigners say floating bus stops, of which there are a number in Cambridge, are essential for a safe and inclusive transport network.
The Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) made their comments after it was reported that transport secretary Mark Harper is considering banning them .
Floating bus stops are where a segregated bike lane is routed behind a bus stop and passengers cross the cycle lane to reach it.
They have been used widely in other European countries for years, and over the past 10 years, Cambridge has seen them installed on Hills Road, Huntingdon Road, Green End Road, and Histon Road.
In a column in this week’s Cambridge Independent, Josh Grantham, infrastructure campaigner at Camcycle, said the debate around floating bus stops needs to be grounded in an evidence-based discussion.
He said: “Floating bus stops are essential for a modern, safe, and inclusive transport network. With the right approach, they can make our towns and cities safer and more accessible.
“Cambridge is leading the way, showing that well-designed cycling infrastructure can coexist with efficient public transport. Let’s keep it that way.”
Meanwhile, Vivienne Francis, chief social change officer with the RNIB, said evidence suggests the floating bus stop design was “dangerous” but encouraged changes to be made rather than having an outright ban.
“We want to see a halt to building new bus stops with cycle lanes, and at the same time, existing floating bus stops need to be adapted so that they are safe and accessible to blind and partially sighted pedestrians,” said Ms Francis.
A Department for Transport spokesperson said: “While local authorities are responsible for these schemes, we expect them to engage with disability groups and follow our guidance, which clearly sets out that all infrastructure designs should be accessible for everyone.”
