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