Over half of blind and partially sighted people struggle to complete essential journeys due to poor pavements and abandoned e-scooters, a new survey has revealed.
A poll of 1,200 UK wide respondents by the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) found that around 61% report being unable to make all the walking journeys they need, while just 9% feel safe walking independently in their neighbourhoods.
Key barriers include vehicles parked on pavements (82 %), cracked or uneven surfaces (71 %), temporary obstructions like bin bags or A-boards (56 %), shared space with cyclists or e-scooters (52 %), and a shortage of accessible pedestrian crossings (44 %).
These hazards not only create anxiety but can lead to serious injuries, with 11% of injured respondents requiring hospital treatment.
RNIB urged local authorities to maintain pavements during roadworks, and to improve the monitoring of food delivery courier cyclists, hire bikes and e-scooters where powers are devolved and hire schemes exist.
