RNIB Welcomes Investment in Safer Walking & Cycling Routes

The Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) has welcomed the Government’s launch of the third Cycling and Walking Investment Strategy alongside Active Travel England’s Worth Every Step delivery plan which was announced today.

The pledge of £4.5 million investment in new walking, wheeling and cycling routes and 10,000 safer road crossings will be of huge benefit to blind and partially sighted people, for whom getting to and from shops, schools, places of work, and bus and train stations, can be a huge challenge.

“RNIB regularly hears from blind and partially sighted people who tell us how anxious and vulnerable they feel when they're out and about as pedestrians,” said Erik Matthies, RNIB’s Policy Lead for Inclusive Journeys.

“Sometimes the anxiety can stop people from going out at all.

“It’s vital for people with sight loss like me that walking routes are kept free of pavement clutter and obstacles, road crossings have clear markings and signage, and cycle ways are planned with pedestrians in mind.

“We’ll now be urging the Government, Active Travel England, and regional authorities to make sure that these changes are developed and implemented with the full involvement of blind and partially sighted people, so our needs and experiences are fully understood.”

To find out more link to the Government’s announcement at https://www.gov.uk/government/news/cycling-and-walking-boom-with-45-billion-for-thousands-of-new-routes-and-safer-crossings