#StreetsForAll

Our cities, towns, villages and streets should be open to all. But the ability of blind and partially sighted (BPS) people to move around towns, cities and their own neighbourhoods is being impeded by problems – both old and new. We are here to change this to ensure #StreetsForAll.

Pavement parking is a recurring problem for blind and partially sighted people. Badly parked cars block pavements and force pedestrians into the road, into the path of oncoming traffic.

But a newer problem, which includes e-scooters and e-bikes, is now adding to the difficulty. Rented e-scooters are being just left at the top of staircases, outside shop doorways and in the middle of pavements, literally putting lives at risk and affecting the safety of visually impaired pedestrians. There are also almost inaudible putting people at risk of a collision.

Street clutter poses further problems and reduces people’s confidence to travel. These include tables and chairs on pavements outside pubs and cafes, shared space schemes and other hazardous obstacles such as rubbish bins, advertising boards and overgrown hedges. These can cause us to trip or fall and reduce confidence to travel. Many people are even forced into danger, by being expected to step into the road to avoid these obstacles.

To change this, we work with partners locally and nationally to make our streets accessible so everyone can travel independently and safely, to live their lives.

We would love to know what you think about the street environment and challenges faced by blind and partially sighted people in our Street Survey.