Guide dogs avoid London’s “floating” bus stops because they see them as unsafe, according to new research.
The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association commissioned a study to assess how these stops, where a cycle lane separates the bus stop from the pavement, affect blind and partially sighted individuals.
Nick Tyler, a professor of civil engineering at University College London (UCL), said the research revealed that guide dogs “put their paws up” because they refuse to go near the stops, the Telegraph reported.
His research mimicked the effect of the bus stops on guide dogs at a lab which recreates high streets with traffic and buses.
He said the guide dogs were resistant to going near the stops, saying: “When we say to them, ‘Can you go on this floating island bus stop?’, they say ‘No.’ They don’t go because they are trained to look for the safest place.”
Previously more than 270 groups signed a petition, created by the National Federation of the Blind UK (NFB), over the stops.
The petition called for the redesign of floating bus stops so that partially-sighted people can board the bus directly without having to cross, or step into, a cycle lane.
A review published by TfL in May was commissioned by Sadiq Khan following repeated safety concerns raised by the public, particularly blind and elderly people.
It found four pedestrians were injured at the controversial stops between 2020 and 2022.
It also found 56 of the 164 stops - 34 per cent - have “significant” design issues, such as no zebra crossings, incorrect tactile paving, a missing shelter, or a bus island that is too narrow. A further 32 per cent have “minor” design issues.
Speaking as the review was published, Christina Calderato, TfL's Director of Transport Strategy and Policy, said: “Keeping everyone travelling in the capital safe is our top priority and we’re determined to make the network as inclusive as possible, which is why we have carried out an extensive review of safety at bus stop bypasses.
“There is clear evidence from the report that the likelihood of a pedestrian being injured by a cyclist at a bypass is very low.
“Our analysis also suggests that bus stop bypasses have not led to a reduction in bus stop use by older or disabled customers.
“Any moratorium on bus stop bypasses would put at risk the programme of work we are undertaking to improve cycle safety in London and encourage more people to cycle.
“We will continue to work with disabled people and accessibility groups to reflect on the findings of our review, including looking at design improvements and upgrades where necessary, and will continue to work with stakeholders to ensure that our transport network works for everyone.”
