Question reference: S6W-18208
- Asked by: Sue Webber, MSP for Lothian, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
- Date lodged: 22 May 2023
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Current status: Answered by Kevin Stewart on 6 June 2023
Question
To ask the Scottish Government what engagement work has been undertaken to understand the impact of bus stop bypasses, also known as "floating" bus stops, on pedestrians, particularly (a) people with visual impairments, (b) wheelchair users and (c) older people.
Answer
Consultation was undertaken prior to publishing design guidance on bus stop bypasses in the updated ‘Cycling by Design’ document in 2021, and considered impacts on those walking and wheeling as they interact with cycling infrastructure. The consultation included representation from the Mobility and Access Committee for Scotland, Guide Dogs Scotland, Royal National Institute of Blind People, Spinal Injuries Scotland, Living Streets, Cycling UK and Cycling Without Age.
To inform the design guidance further, Transport Scotland commissioned Living Streets in 2021 to investigate issues of inclusion where bus stop bypasses have been introduced, primarily to accommodate cycle facilities. The study has visited sites across the UK, photographing, measuring and recording behaviours of pedestrian and cyclists, and has analysed footage using fixed cameras. The study has also included a literature review, and consultation with a wide range of user groups including disabled people and others who are most at risk. The study is due to report late summer 2023.