Written Question · S6W-40131 · Session 6
Whether it plans to follow in Scotland, or take action in response to, the forthcoming guidance from Active Travel England on the accessibi…
The question
To ask the Scottish Government whether it plans to follow in Scotland, or take action in response to, the forthcoming guidance from Active Travel England on the accessibility of bus stop bypasses, which are also known as "floating" bus stops.
The answer
The current guidance for Scotland was published in 2021 in the ‘Cycling by Design’ document and includes recommendations for incorporating cycling facilities where these interact with bus stops.The Scottish Government recognises the challenges that cycle infrastructure at bus stops, including bus stop bypasses and shared use bus boarders, can present for some people. It is also conscious of the benefits that connected, coherent and protected cycle networks can achieve. Recognising this complexity Transport Scotland commissioned independent research in 2021, which was jointly funded by Department for Transport, to investigate issues of inclusion where bus stop bypasses have been introduced. The study reported in 2023, with recommendations on developing the design guidance in Scotland to enhance bus stop accessibility.The forthcoming updates to Scotland’s design guidance, supported by this research and ongoing engagement including with disabled people, are to focus largely on emphasising best practice messages. Transport Scotland will continue to engage directly with UK Department for Transport and review any updated guidance from Active Travel England, in relation to the UK Government Bus Services (No. 2) Bill.
In the Official Report
No contribution in the Official Report cites S6W-40131 by reference.