Pedestrians form a large segment of the traffic scenario in Australia but are often not catered for in a totally satisfactory manner. Being physically unprotected they are a very vulnerable group, being prone to a more severe level of trauma when involved in accidents than most other road users. In Australia a large proportion of the pedestrian community is either young or elderly, each of which have specific problems associated with their respective age group. These problems involve either the lack of fully developed faculties or a reduction in optimum faculties due to the ageing process. This paper relates experience in Australia and overseas in the provision of engineering facilities tailored to the type of usage facilities tailored to the type of usage expected. It includes observable shortcomings in areas such as the perceived safety of zebra crossings on major roads and the desirability of specifically constructed median islands as a major pedestrian safety device. Grade separation of pedestrians together with the concept of space separation is also examined.
Abstract