Access and mobility design policy for disabled pedestrians at road crossings: exploration of issues

Issues affecting design policies for highways and streets are explored in terms of the functional capabilities of disabled and encumbered pedestrians. The analysis and design process for disabled and encumbered people is explored to complement the emphasis accorded driver and vehicle movements in current codes and design policies. Issues related to the integration of code requirements and documented design procedures with the physical capabilities of disabled people in relation to existing policies are examined. Considerations include the location of the visibility viewpoint, associated sight lines, the observation–reaction time immediately before crossing, the distance traveled across footways, and movement characteristics while traversing the carriageway and while completing the crossing. The data described include experimental movement observations obtained by video and documented values. The links with physical disability categories are briefly described. A numerical illustration of the total time required to cross is made. The major issues are summarized, and an outline of areas needing further investigation is presented