Elderly people on foot : report on the position of the elderly pedestrians in Europe, on behalf of the European Commission EC for the European Year of Older People and Solidarity between Generations 1993.

This report on elderly Europeans on foot by the Federation of European Pedestrian Associations, FEPA, reviews the present situation within European countries regarding the position of older pedestrians. Mobility, safety, security and comfort of the elderly is of utmost importance for achieving goals of full participation in social life and being able to maintain independence. Being able to walk is essential in achieving these goals. Research shows that older people more usually make trips as a pedestrian than other members of society. The ability to walk may be decisive for the elderly. In general, most present day traffic is a threat to the safety of the elderly pedestrian, and it may make him think twice about going out at all. Older pedestrians are involved in more accidents then their younger counterparts. They are more vulnerable and therefore they run a higher risk to get killed or seriously injured. This applies not only to collisions but also to accidents due to bad design or maintenance of roads and pavements. The mobility of the elderly may be restricted or lose quality because of poor infrastructure, increased distances to major destinations, and a poor environment. Traffic control is not adjusted to the needs of older pedestrians. This report gives an overview of objectives for older pedestrians concerning mobility, safety and security, health and experience along the route. Recommendations on improving the existing situation are made. In particular, special attention should be given to better transport planning within cities taking the pedestrian into account. This means that a pedestrian impact study should be carried out before any planning or road construction is undertaken. Research on pedestrians should be more complete and better financed. Traffic law, traffic control and standards for construction and design in favour of pedestrians should be promoted. Implementation of these proposals will bring changes in planning procedures, the allocation of funds, and regulations at EU, national, and local planning levels. (A)