The design of streets with older people in mind – Pedestrian crossings
The Inclusive Design for Getting Outdoors (I’DGO) a multi-disciplinary consortium based in the UK recently published (June 2013) a very interesting Design Guide entitled ‘Pedestrian Crossings DSOPM004’.
The Guide is based on evidence from the Inclusive Design for Getting Outdoors research project and is based on the views of over 1,600 pedestrians, street audits and key sources of existing UK guidance.
The guide includes advice on providing accessible crossing amenities that send out a consistent message to all users and flags the importance of raising awareness among pedestrians as to how crossings work and why.
The guide includes a number of recommendations including:
- Local authorities should prioritise providing the public with information about different crossing types in the area, especially when new facilities – particularly Puffin crossings are introduced. Likewise, when new crossing features are piloted or rolled out (e.g. countdown facilities).
- Crossing times should be more generous.
- Diversity between crossings should be minimised.
- A national body should launch a campaign to improve driver awareness of how crossings work and of the various needs and behaviour patterns of pedestrians, including older people.
