Cyclists don't see the vision-impaired

Vision impaired Pearl Beach resident Robert Lillico has urged road users to watch out for visually impaired pedestrians.

Suffering from a degenerative eye condition retinitis pigmentosa, Mr Lillico used a long white cane to get around and said he struggled to cross the road safely.

He said it seemed to be especially problematic with cyclists as he was unable to hear the bikes.

"When you step off the footpath there always seems to be a bike that tries to rip through even though the lights have changed," said Mr Lillico.

Mr Lillico said he supported Guide Dogs NSW-ACT's upcoming Watch Out, Cane About road campaign that launched on International White Cane Day on Tuesday, October 15.

Guide Dogs NSW-ACT has revealed new figures showing one in two clients who are blind or vision impaired have had a near miss with a vehicle over the past five years while trying to cross the road.

The figures also revealed one in 15 have actually been struck by a vehicle.

"I've almost been hit," said Mr Lillico.

"It's a terrible feeling because you can't see or hear them and for a split second you're wondering if you might end up flat on your back.

"I have to now remember not to step off the footpath as soon as the lights change and always have my cane out in front of me but nine times out of 10 I'm sure cyclists don't see it or me," he said.

To help raise driver awareness, Guide Dogs NSW-ACT has launched TV and radio community service announcements and an educational video on YouTube highlighting some key Dos and Don'ts tips for motorists.

Media release, 16 Oct 2013

Sally Edgar, Guide Dogs NSW-ACT