Exeter campaigner takes bus stop safety petition to Downing Street

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 14 Oct, 12:02 · Archive

A blind Exeter campaigner has delivered a petition to 10 Downing Street calling for changes to 'floating' bus stops that require passengers to cross cycle lanes.

Marilyn Lant from Exeter has delivered a petition to 10 Downing Street calling for changes to bus stops that require passengers to cross cycle lanes. Ms Lant, who is blind, travelled with her guide dog Milly and joined campaign groups including the National Federation of the Blind UK to meet MPs and highlight concerns about the 'floating' stops.

The Rifford Road bus stops in Exeter present particular safety concerns, as passengers must cross a two-way cycle lane to reach them. More than 600 people signed the petition, including those who say the stops have severely affected their confidence and independence. Some signatories reported that anxiety about using the closest stop has led them to use alternative routes, crossing busy roads instead.

New zebra crossings have been created across the cycle lanes in an attempt to improve safety. However, an observation lasting one hour last month recorded only one cyclist giving way at a crossing. When questioned, that cyclist said they were unaware there was a bus stop in the area.

How it is being reported

• 'If one person gets hurt, I'd never forgive myself': Exeter bus stop row goes straight to 10 Downing StreetOne particular bus stop on Rifford Road has caused outrageDevonLive · 14 Oct, 11:43
• Blind Exeter campaigner takes ‘dangerous’ bus stop battle to Downing StreetA campaigner from Exeter has taken her battle against the city’s “dangerous” bus stops to 10 Downing Street.Exmouth Journal · 14 Oct, 09:30

In this story: Marilyn Lant · Andy Burnham · National Federation of the Blind UK · Exeter · Rifford Road

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