CIHT report warns over bus stop bypasses

 

A new report from the Chartered Institution of Highways and Transportation (CIHT) has warned that controversial bus stop bypasses can deter disabled people, particularly those with visual impairments, from using buses.

Creating a public realm for all, the result of a project led by Professor Nick Tyler, director of the UCL Centre for Transport Studies, looks at the challenges involved in achieving accessible transport infrastructure in the public realm.

The report summarises the content of several publications, feedback from a workshop that included people with impairments, disability groups, urban planners, highway engineers, researchers, inclusive design professionals and other experts, and responses to a call for evidence.

It notes that floating island and boarder bypass bus stops types are becoming more common as the provision of segregated cycle lanes is increased, but that ‘many disabled people have issues using bus stop bypasses (of all types), particularly if the cycle lane is bidirectional or is heavily used’.

The report adds: ‘Cyclists do not always give way to those wishing to cross, and visually impaired people may have difficulty knowing when there is a safe time to cross, as cycles do not make significant noise on approach.’

It warns: ‘Bus stop bypasses can deter many disabled people from using buses, often the only accessible mode of transport available to them.’

CIHT chief executive Sue Percy said: 'This report helps transport professionals to recognise and respect people’s differences. We must be inclusive – in how we design, build, and maintain the public realm.

'This report does not have all the answers but will help you ask the right questions. I hope that the transport professionals reading this report will use it to create a more equitable public realm – we have signposted lots of resources that are available for those who wish to find out more and continue on their professional journey.'

Prof Tyler and a team at UCL’s PEARL (Person-Environment-Activity Research Laboratory) facility are testing new designs of floating bus stops with the participation of the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB), with results expected this year.

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