A PARTIALLY sighted man has urged that any potential new temporary cycle routes in Ayr don’t endanger people like him.

Billy Hendren, 25, has been living with the condition since birth and uses a cane to assist him when he is out.

It comes as sight loss charity RNIB Scotland wrote to South Ayrshire Council to ask them to ensure that new plans to create temporary cycle lanes don’t put residents at risk.

Billy who also suffers from seizures due to epilepsy, frequently travels to Ayr with his mum Denise, and agrees that planners need to be mindful when creating new routes for cyclists.

He told the Advertiser: “I can understand the need for it, but bicycles should be for the road only.

“When I was at school everyone was taught the rules of the road whilst learning to cycle, so there is no excuse for a cyclist not to know the rules.

“If they are planning to add more cycle routes to pedestrian walkways, they have to be mindful. People have to keep a look out for us.”

“It goes without saying if you see a guy in front of you with a long cane, you have to move.

“Most cyclists I have come across have been great, but you see some who are on pavements, and the closer they are to me as a blind person the more risk there is.”

Last week, Transport Secretary Michael Matheson announced he will treble an original investment of £10 million under the ‘Spaces for People’ initiative, inviting councils to take advantage of reduced traffic levels.

RNIB Scotland director James Adams said:

“The problem is that blind and partially sighted people might not be able to see or hear cyclists approaching, while cyclists might simply assume a pedestrian will see them coming.”

A spokesperson for South Ayrshire Council said: “We are currently looking at measures to encourage safer walking and cycling during the lockdown.”

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