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Floating bus stops not such a great idea after all

From Highways Magazine:The roll-out of floating bus stops has been halted by the Government as it responds to campaigns surrounding pedestrian safety.The Government has ordered an immediate suspension of bus stops where pedestrians board and disembark directly from or to a cycle lane.The pause was announced by Simon Lightwood, the local transport minister, in a statement to MPs on 26 June, with the minister referring to them as ‘problematic’ to people with visual impairments.The main concern highlighted by campaigners is that the floating stops force pedestrians – particularly vulnerable pedestrians or those with disabilities – to avoid cyclists using the bike lanes between the stops and the pavement.A UCL study commissioned by the charity The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association showed that guide dogs avoid using floating bus stops due to meeting cyclists travelling at speed.El Briggs, head of policy, public affairs and campaigns at The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association, said: ‘Our research has shown the significant fear, anxiety and distress caused by bus stop boarders for disabled people.‘Our research shows bus stop boarders are confusing, difficult to detect, and can create frightening near-misses with cyclists. No one should have to risk stepping into harm’s way just to board or leave a bus.’Sarah Gayton, of the National Federation of the Blind UK, also commented: ‘All types of floating bus stops are not safe or accessible for blind people, as well as all bus passengers.‘Guidance will not resolve this design flaw. The only solution is for the bus to pull up to the pavement curb where passengers can board and alight without crossing any cycle lane.‘We want cyclists to be safe, but not at the expense of the most vulnerable people; pedestrians, but particularly blind and disabled pedestrians.’

Simon Hayes ● 4d11 Comments ● 22h

To the Brentford Community – Re: Jim Lawes, A Message of Gratitude and Hope

Hello friends, neighbours, and fellow hearts of Brentford (where Jim lives) and Chiswick (where Jim grew up and I was born),This is Lucas Lawes writing to honour someone whose quiet strength and community spirit have carried more weight than most could know—my father, Jim Lawes.As Amanda Jane Goodall and I prepare to marry in June 2026, I would like to ask publicly, and lovingly, for my father’s blessing as Amanda becomes Amanda Jane Lawes. But even more than that - I want to say thank you.The last sixteen years have been difficult, complex, and at times unbearable for Jim's family, but especially for my Dad, Jim. Through it all, Dad has shown patience, resilience, and an enduring love that words barely capture.Jim Lawes has long been a pillar in this community - his dedication to Brentford’s history, his commitment to preserving stories and supporting neighbours, and his tireless efforts to celebrate local heritage have meant the world to many. To me, he is not just a father, but a living archive of heart, heritage, and humanity.So please, if you’re reading this - take a moment to reflect, to applaud, and to honour a man who deserves it. Jim Lawes.To my dad: thank you. For everything. I love you.A Message of Strength to Dad (recorded 6th April 2024)https://youtu.be/xVXb11a1m70Imagine by John Lennon by local Artist Phil Marshall - The Albion Pub on Bridge Road in Hampton Court/East Moleseyhttps://youtu.be/uKVDMxg2u0AWith hope, healing, and harmony,Lucas Edward Lawes

Lucas Lawes ● 32d6 Comments ● 20d

St Paul’s Green - teenagers in the playground

Coming back from coffee and the shops, I saw around half a dozen teenaged boys (in school uniform, but sadly no identifiable blazer badges) playing very roughly on the zip wire in the children’s playground on the green. They were all well into their teens, voices broken, tall and (a couple of them) quite hefty. They were so rough that I feared they were going to break the equipment. Heart pounding, I decided to go for it and asked - nicely - if they would please be careful, as the playground was for little kids. Of course, there was a load of lip in return, including: ‘This is a public park’. Yes, It’s a public park, but the playground isn’t. You want public, go and play on the grass. Some tedious back and forth ensued. I used some choice language and walked off, only stopping to have a look at the Rules & Regs board by the gate, which stated that the playground was for under 11s. I pointed at the sign and one of them shouted ‘I’m blind’ - I shouted back that he was… well, something else more, ahem, ‘fundamental’, if you get my drift. (I’d like to point out that I do not merely spew filth - I enunciate clearly, like an effing lady.)As a child, I was always frightened of the older children when I went to the swings. (By older, I mean 9 or 10, not 15 or 16.) Perhaps I was oversensitive, but seeing older children roughhousing filled me with terror. I’m sure I wasn’t alone in that at the time or - indeed - now. It’s intimidating, makes the atmosphere horrible for children and parents and knackers the playground equipment. I don’t know I what - if anything - can be done. There’s obviously no funding for a full-time park keeper. Even if there were one, I don’t think that teenagers would take any notice of them. When I was little, park keepers were scary authority figures; now, they’re probably as intimidated as the rest of us. My poor husband is sure that I’m going to end up knifed, but I feel that sometimes you do have to call out this sort of thing. It may not be the hottest anti-social behaviour ticket, but it’s really not acceptable. Or am I just yelling into the abyss?

Tracie Dudley Craig ● 30d6 Comments ● 25d