A series of related studies of the travel characteristics and problems of physically handicapped people were carried out to identify the scope for improvements in transport provision. This report summarises the findings of these studies. The main forms of enquiry were a survey of organisations for the physically handicapped, a small behaviour study, and surveys of physically handicapped travellers and non-travellers; a bibliography was also prepared. An attempt was made to relate type of disability with travel problems, and also to look at the effect of urban deprivation on the travel patterns of handicapped people. Walking was the most frequently used form of transport, followed by car, then bus; other modes did not provide a significant amount of mobility. The report identifies some of the main problems encountered in travel by handicapped people, of which those associated with the level access appeared to be the most common. Methodological problems encountered with studies of this population are also discussed. (Author/publisher)
Abstract