Getting Around: What blind and partially sighted people told us
The way people in the UK travel is changing rapidly with more pavement obstacles, reduced bus services, and a rise in e-scooters and e-bikes. For blind and partially sighted people, these changes can be exhausting and dangerous. More than half of people with sight loss tell RNIB they want to go out more than they currently do.
This series of reports on walking, rail and bus travel presents findings from an online survey conducted by RNIB in February 2025 which 1197 people responded to, as well as insights from focus groups with blind and partially sighted people.
In My Way: navigating pedestrian journeys with sight loss
An accessible street environment is crucial to blind and partially sighted people being able to make journeys. Almost any journey will include some time as a pedestrian: whether getting to work, doing the school run, or getting to and from bus stops and train stations.
But streets across the UK have changed a lot in recent years, from new pavement dining furniture and cycle lanes to the proliferation of hire bikes, e-scooters and an increasing number of silent electric vehicles on our roads. Despite improvements in other areas of life due to advances in technology or greater public understanding, blind and partially sighted people are facing more obstacles in the street
environment than ever before.
RNIB’s new In My Way report shows 61 per cent say that they are not able to make all of the journeys they want or need to, and only 9 per cent strongly agree that they feel safe making independent walking journeys in their neighbourhood.
The report highlights these barriers, like pavement parking and overhanging greenery, and recommends the practical steps that the UK Government, devolved administrations and local authorities should take to make getting around on foot more accessible and inclusive.
“Like many other blind and partially sighted people, being able to travel independently is a huge part of my life. My guide dog, Miss Molly, and I rely on safe streets to get to work, meet friends, go to appointments or just pop to the shops.”
Lucy Edwards, Broadcaster, disability activist and content creator
Ask your local Councillor for accessible streets
Every day, blind and partially sighted people face potentially dangerous barriers when walking around their local neighbourhoods, such as cars being parked on pavements, overhanging greenery and a lack of accessible crossings. Councils have a duty to take steps to make the street environment more accessible and inclusive.
If you live in England or Wales, we’ve prepared a letter for you to personalise and send, highlighting the barriers blind and partially sighted people face. Our letter explains what councils can do to solve the issues where you live.
All aboard? Navigating bus travel with sight loss
Buses are the most used form of public transport and provide a vital service to blind and partially sighted people in getting to work, being able to attend healthcare appointments, complete their education, and be part of their communities.
However, bus travel presents particular challenges for people with sight loss. Our new ‘All aboard?’ report shows fewer than half of blind and partially sighted people can make all the journeys by bus that they want or need to. It contains recommendations for comprehensive change from the UK Government, bus operators and the general public that would make buses more accessible to people with sight loss.
“With the right support from local and national governments, better design and awareness from bus companies, and just a little more understanding from our fellow passengers, we can make the bus a space that blind and partially sighted people can use confidently and comfortably.
Lucy Edwards, Broadcaster, disability activist and content creator
Image: A picture of Lucy Edwards sitting with her chin resting on her hand. She has long ginger hair and is wearing a navy blue dress. 'David Reiss photography
Share the All aboard? report with your local authority and bus operator
You can use the template letters below to share the report with your local authority’s transport department and bus operators. The templates include space for you to share your personal experience of bus travel.
Contacting your local bus operator
If you know which operator runs services in your area, you’ll find contact details on their website. If you aren’t sure, you can use this bus finder tool on the Gov.uk website to find operators in your area. If you use buses from more than one operator, feel free to send a version addressed to each of them.
Contacting your local authority
You’ll find contact details for your local authority on their website. Use this tool to find your local authority and access their website.
More to come!
Alongside sharing your experience of bus travel, you also told us about how you find getting around by walking and by train. Watch this space for further reports to come!
Read more on inclusive journeys
Being able to get around safely is important for everyone, but for people with sight loss some things can make it harder to do this. RNIB campaigns to make our streets and public transport safe and accessible to all.
Alongside sharing your experience of bus travel, you also told us about how you find getting around by walking and by train. Watch this space for further reports to come!
