Accessibility of urban spaces for visually impaired pedestrians

Abstract

An ageing demographic together with the predicted increase in visual impairment of older people calls for a renewed consideration of the accessibility and social inclusivity of urban spaces. This paper synthesises the evidence on this topic and highlights areas for future development relating to the accessibility of urban areas for older, blind and partially sighted pedestrians in the light of recommendations and statements by the World Health Organisation's 'Age friendly' cities initiative, Guide Dogs UK and the Department of Transport's shared spaces local transport note.

The Handbook of Salutogenesis

“…Especially for minors, the elderly and the physically impaired, the availability, and accessibility of transportation can have a major impact on the possibilities for independent living (Raerino et al, 2013). Even minor disabilities can heavily influence possibilities for active living and independence, and thus the need for proximate, accessible, and inclusive infrastructure and available public transport (Levasseur et al, 2011;Norgate, 2012;Wen et al, 2009). Planning and design of transportation systems and outdoor spaces in line with the principles of Universal Design can enhance the accessibility of resources for these groups and promote active travelling for a wider population.…”

The Application of Salutogenesis in Cities and Towns

“…Especially for minors, the elderly and the physically impaired, the availability, and accessibility of transportation can have a major impact on the possibilities for independent living (Raerino et al, 2013). Even minor disabilities can heavily influence possibilities for active living and independence, and thus the need for proximate, accessible, and inclusive infrastructure and available public transport (Levasseur et al, 2011;Norgate, 2012;Wen et al, 2009). Planning and design of transportation systems and outdoor spaces in line with the principles of Universal Design can enhance the accessibility of resources for these groups and promote active travelling for a wider population.…”

Standards for usable and safe environments for sight impaired

“…They are recommended to learn from experiences in the UK, where removal of the traditional kerb in shared spaces has been recognised to increase risk for sight-impaired people and to reduce their ability to navigate in such spaces (Child et al, 2009;Norgate, 2012;Thomas, 2008Thomas, , 2011.…”