Barrier-free outdoor environments: Older peoples' perceptions before and after implementation of legislative directives
Author
Summary, in English
An increased focus on international and national levels of society to meet the transportation needs of older people and people with disabilities is realized through legislation, directives and guidelines on accessibility. This paper examines effects of removing physical barriers according to current Swedish governmental accessibility directives on older peoples' perceptions of outdoor environments (usability) and on their mobility and perceived safety as pedestrians. This paper also focuses on municipal planners' views on the implementation of improved accessibility. A before-after study, using both qualitative and quantitative methods, is conducted. The results from the questionnaires show that older peoples' overall satisfaction with the outdoor environment has increased after implementation: however no differences are found if physical barriers specifically are considered. Older peoples' mobility is also unchanged; nevertheless, fewer respondents are stating difficulties in walking due to barriers in the outdoor environments as reason to avoid outdoor mobility. Problems do remain after implementation, for example concerning safety/security-related issues and inaccessible entrances and indoor environments. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Department/s
Publishing year
2010
Language
English
Pages
464-474
Publication/Series
Transport Policy
Volume
17
Issue
6
Document type
Journal article
Publisher
Elsevier
Topic
- Infrastructure Engineering
Keywords
- Mobility
- Accessibility
- Barrier-free design
- Older people
- Pedestrian
- Usability
Status
Published
ISBN/ISSN/Other
- ISSN: 1879-310X