- Older pedestrians sometimes have physical, cognitive, or age-related impairments that prevent them from crossing streets at the same speeds as younger pedestrians. The tend to have longer start-up/reaction times, walk slower, be less aware of their surroundings, and do not recognize they require additional time to cross streets. Several countermeasures can be implemented to make crossings more friendly to older pedestrians:
- When establishing crossing intervals, select design walking speeds that balance the capabilities of older pedestrians against the need to maintain good traffic flows.
- Use a leading pedestrian interval. This gives older pedestrians a head start, increases their visibility, and compensates for longer start-up times.
- Reduce crossing distances by narrowing lanes, installing curb extensions, and/or reconfiguring roads.
- Install pedestrian hybrid beacons at midblock and unsignalized crosswalks. Once activated by pedestrians, vehicles are required to stop.
- Construct raised medians or refuge islands. As stopping points, they let older pedestrians focus on one direction of traffic at a time.
CONTACT:
Chris VanDyke
Research Scientist | Program Manager
chrisvandyke@uky.edu
