How do blind pedestrians perceive cyclists?

This study investigates the experiences of blind pedestrians when encountering cyclists in urban Germany. Pedestrians and cyclists are two groups of vulnerable road users whose conflicts and crashes have recently received increased attention. We conducted in-depth interviews with ten active blind adult pedestrians to explore their experiences when encountering cyclists. Participants described both positive and negative encounters. Blind pedestrians reported difficulty perceiving cyclists, especially in noisy environments, and often attempted to avoid them. They expressed concerns about cyclists who passed too quickly and too closely, frequently startling them. Several incidents were reported in which cyclists rode over white canes, breaking them. While the legal framework was considered sufficient, enforcement was deemed inadequate. As blind pedestrians frequently encounter cyclists on footpaths, they must remain vigilant even where cycling is prohibited. The reported crashes and incidents involving cyclists riding over white canes underscore the real risk of collision. Some participants avoided certain times of day or areas where they expected high cyclist volumes. Blind pedestrians wished for the separation of pedestrian and cyclist traffic, either by requiring cyclists to ride on the carriageway or by establishing separate paths of sufficient width, with a tactile strip between footpaths and bike paths. They believed that cyclists lack sufficient information about blind pedestrians and do not reliably recognize them as blind. • Blind pedestrians experienced both positive and negative encounters with cyclists. • Blind pedestrians are startled by fast, close cyclist passes. • The potential for conflicts rises with cyclist volume. • Blind pedestrians prefer separation of pedestrian and cycle traffic. • The legal framework was considered sufficient, enforcement inadequate.