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Copyright
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(Copyright © 1995, Transportation Research Board, National Research Council, National Academy of Sciences USA, Publisher SAGE Publishing) |
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Abstract
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Elderly pedestrians are an increasing part of the North American population. Their growing numbers raise the question of the suitability of the assumed normal walking speed used to determine the pedestrian clearance interval.
FINDINGS of a study that measured the walking speed of elderly pedestrians at various types of crosswalks are reported. Walking speeds of pedestrians over the age of 60 were recorded at seven locations: six field locations and a seniors club. The field locations included pedestrian actuated midblock crosswalks, crosswalks at signalized intersections, and crosswalks at unsignalized intersections. The field studies included a short interview following the recording of curb-to-curb walking time. Study participants at the seniors club were asked to walk at their normal speed and then their fast speed down a corridor, then they completed a short questionnaire. One of the main findings was that people over age 60 are not a homogeneous group; they possess a range of walking speeds and mobility levels. Elderly pedestrians reported several problems associated with crosswalks, including difficulty in negotiating curbs and judging the speed of oncoming vehicles, discourteous drivers, turning vehicles and confusion with the Walk, flashing Don't Walk, and Don't Walk pedestrian signal indications. At signalized intersections near seniors and nursing homes, where most pedestrians are elderly, a design walking speed of 1.0 m/sec is satisfactory. Suggested design walking speeds of elderly pedestrians at midblock crosswalks and signalized intersections are 1.0 and 1.2 m/sec, respectively.
Language: en |