Author: Jane Bringolf

Practical wisdom for accessible cities

Practical wisdom, knowledge and experience is a key factor in co-design processes. People with disability have their own lived experience of cities which is essential knowledge for the ongoing design and redesign of urban environments. But it has to mesh with other wisdoms and experiences and here we find tensions between stakeholders. A study from Sweden revealed three kinds of knowledge at play.

Workshops held in three Swedish cities revealed three kinds of knowledge. They are: fact based knowledge, professional knowledge, and practical wisdom (episteme, techne and phronesis).

A woman with long blonde hair is reaching across the meeting table to point to a piece of paper. Three other people look on. Sharing practical wisdom.

Knowledge creation is an ongoing endeavour and collaboration between stakeholders is essential for overcoming tensions and working for good outcomes. But personal experience is not well regarded as it cannot be ‘measured’ and quantified.

Tensions and practical wisdom

‘Officials viewed personal narratives about disability as the source of valuable knowledge, helping them understand the reasons behind accessibility requirements – ‘understand in practice’, as one official said. She recommended this for practitioners as a way to avoid building errors.’

Structural tensions centred around resources and who had access, including disability organisations. This creates power imbalances. In some municipalities officials sent people with disability questions to confirm their decisions. Other structural tensions are more mundane such as the best time of day to get the best citizen participation rate. People with disability reported officials’ resistance to applying accessibility standards as another factor.

Categorical tensions centred around the notion that accessibility is an overarching label as being for people with impairments. Proposals about roads, public art or street furniture did not belong to accessibility. Categorising accessibility as a minority interest made it a ‘soft issue’, not like emergency services – a firm box to tick.

Tensions around interpretation revealed uncertainties about judging personal stories in relation to urban experiences.

‘What we can perhaps see as the disadvantage of this way of working: being on site with a somewhat small group – is that it depends a lot on the people involved. After all, it is your personal opinion that you are expressing. And it can then vary, we think, from project to project depending on who is involved … There is still a risk that we interpret something wrong … You don’t know if it’s personal opinions … It’s hard to know whose voice you’re hearing.’

Universal design seen as disability design

So, where does universal design fit into the discussion? While universal design encompasses more than disability, it remains closely associated with it. When interpreted as accessibility, it becomes an afterthought at the end of the process. However, a universal design approach takes inclusion seriously from the outset of a project.

What cannot be quantified and measured “rationally” is seen as ‘soft’ evidence by officials. Nevertheless, universal design endeavours to explain the reasons behind access requirements and why minimum compliance is insufficient.

Handwritten word on glass saying regulations.

The title of the paper is, Practical wisdom for accessible cities: Creative tensions in universal design processes for Swedish urban development. An important exploration into why we cannot move past minimum compliance both in Sweden and Australia.

From the abstract

This paper explores knowledge creation in universal design processes that aim to make cities accessible to all. It contributes insights into the practice of urban development in Sweden. Workshops and qualitative interviews were conducted in three mid-sized cities re-designing a city square, a street, and a new library.

We found that different kinds of knowledge were in play in local collaboration. Universal design was akin practical wisdom. Imbalances of power and divisions between stakeholders caused tensions. The perception that accessibility is limited to a specific target group also played a part. To overcome these tensions, we propose that disability organizations be contributors rather than commentators.

Co-creating course material

Co-creating course material and teaching practices with students is essential in courses such as social work. How can a student social worker understand equity and inclusion if they experience discriminatory approaches to the subject and teaching practices?

“As courses transitioned to online learning, it became clear that course syllabi are not neutral documents; rigid policies, deficit-based language, and unconscious biases disproportionately impacted students from historically marginalized backgrounds.”

A view from the back of a classroom with adult learners and a presenter at the front of the room teaching the course.

An interesting look at introducing co-creation, or co-design as a means of both learning and shaping course material. The title of the paper is, Collaboration and co-creation: fostering student learning through syllabus redesign.

From the introduction

Four approaches for re-designing course material are explored as a means of achieving student engagement: universal design, human-centered design, the liquid syllabus, and anti-racist pedagogy materials. We also offer examples from our own anti-oppressive teaching practices. We conclude with our shared experiences and a reflection from a former student.

From the abstract

The social work profession continues to prioritize diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility within curricula and the classroom. Consequently, instructors must consider the syllabus as a foundational element. Often overlooked in discussions of power and oppression, the syllabus not only sets the tone for the course but also establishes the policies and practices that influence student engagement with both instructors and course content.

This article explores the approaches to teaching and co-creating course material and design. It focuses on the importance of language and tone, and the process of cocreating course content, assignments, and grading schemas with students. We conclude by sharing lessons learned and implications for both instructors and students. We hope to encourage ongoing dialogue on fostering classroom inclusion through syllabus redesign and a reflexive examination of the power dynamics that exist within the classroom.

Cities for all ages

An “age-inclusive” approach – such as accessible public transport, diversified housing options, and telemedicine – has immediate benefits. It enhances wellbeing and economic growth and generates long lasting benefits for creating inclusive cities. A new OECD report considers these factors and the economic and social costs of inaction. Cities for all ages should mean children to older age, but the report focuses on older age.

The report provides a checklist of nine key actions that governments can take to create age-inclusive cities. The 80 page document covers the rationale for action based on changing demographics. The second section explores policies for age-inclusive cities including housing. The checklist is in section 3.

The checklist is based on:

  • Strategy setting for a structured policy approach
  • Resource development and increasing capacity
  • Stakeholder co-ordination to involve local citizens to help solve problems
Front cover cities for all ages, four people walking across a zebra crossing reminiscent of the Beatles Abby Road album cover.

Checklist for creating cities for all ages

The report provides a checklist of concrete actions for governments. It builds on the initiatives from the previous chapters which review existing guidance and standards.

As this is an OECD document it necessarily includes the actions and ideas from across the globe – both developed and developed nations. Consequently, some of the actions listed are well known in Australia. However there is always more to learn from others especially as there is no one-size-fits-all in urban development even in the one city.

The title of the OECD urban studies report is, Cities for All Ages. Potentially if cities are good for older people they will automatically be good for everyone regardless of age.

Social inclusion through participatory planning

The relevant ministries of the five Nordic countries are concerned that cities are becoming more socially divided. For countries known for supporting social justice, this is a relatively new development. So what is going on, and what to do about it? Fortunately Nordic countries have laws supporting the concept of social inclusion through participatory planning. However, it’s more complex than that.

Participation is a prerequisite for democracy. It enables the redistribution of power by involving citizens in making decisions both for their own good and in the public interest. A Nordic group is looking beyond segregation to social inclusion.

Front cover of the report, Beyond segregation: Nordic approaches to socially inclusive cities.

Population segregation has emerged as a growing issue in the five Nordic countries and policy-makers are looking to improve social inclusion. Citizen participation is strongly emphasised in national legislation and the governance of municipalities. So the concept of community involvement is already present. However, legislation alone is insufficient to bring about change.

Social inclusion: beyond segregation

A research report looks at all five countries and compares policies and practice. Part three of the report looks at polices for counteracting segregation and encouraging social inclusion. Part 5 looks at the participatory planning aspects in each of the countries. The discussion in part 7 draws together the research findings.

Participatory planning approaches

Part 7 of the report covers the types of participatory planning approaches used. Each country has a national strategy and policy programs emphasising participation. However it falls to the local municipalities to implement the strategies and policies. Some municipalities go beyond the policy requirements and legal frameworks.

Each of the Nordic cities has a good story to tell about creative ways of involving citizens in planning. This includes engaging with children and young people, older people and people with disability.

However, challenges remain, particularly engaging with more silent, passive or marginalised groups. While there is a strong public desire to participate, limited understanding of the processes can hold things back. In other situations, citizens are uncertain whether their voices will play out at the implementation stage.

Limited resources are also an issue. Norwegian municipalities tend towards informing rather than involving. A shortfall of competence at municipal level is also a factor. Consequently, there is less participation in the early stages of planning.

All five Nordic countries are ultimately seeking to promote democratic decision-making and inclusive urban development. They seek to address challenges such as legal ambiguity, resource constraints and the engagement of marginalised groups. The different participatory approaches demonstrate advances in overcoming barriers to engagement.

This is a long report because each part has an in-depth look at each country. However, it is easy to read and will be of interest to anyone involved in community participation. The title is, Beyond segregation: Nordic approaches to socially inclusive cities.

The webinar below is in English.

Active transport and disability

Governments are expanding cycling infrastructure for health, climate and congestion reasons. An active transport network creates connections between significant destinations and transport nodes. Done well, they connect schools, community buildings, shops and recreational areas. But this is not all good news.

Cycling networks are often based on shared paths. For people with disability shared paths are a big problem. So, the way they are designed is critical for both cyclists and pedestrians. Image George Xinos

A cycle path and a walking path separated by plantings of mid height grasses. All good for active transport.

People with vision, hearing and/or mobility disabilities have particular difficulty with shared paths, even where there are few cyclists. Many see shared paths as discriminatory because they avoid them due to safety concerns. The answer is segregated paths, but what is the best way to design them? George Xinos offers some suggestions.

Visual cues help active transport

A separated path is divided into two separate sections, one for cyclists and the other for the exclusive use of pedestrians. The Austroads Guide to Road Design lists colour and texture contrasting finishes, signage, line marking and footpath symbols. However, a distinct separation is better from an accessibility perspective.

Physical separation is much better for people who are blind or have low vision. Providing a semi-mountable kerb or dividing strip or turf or similar allows them to shoreline along the path. It prevents them from wandering onto the cycle lane.

In a survey of 607 people in Victoria with vision impairment, 8% had a collision, and 20% a near collision in the previous five years. 24% of those were with bicycles. A survey by Guide Dogs Australia found 50% of respondents with low vision reported difficulty in using shared paths. Note that most people with low vision are over the age of 65 years. Consequently, this group experiences the risk of loss of both vision and agility.

Floating bus stops

In 2024, six local residents lodged a complaint with the Australian Human Rights Commission regarding ‘floating bus stops’ in the City of Sydney. This is where bus passengers have to cross a bike lane to get on and off the bus.

They claimed the bicycle lane is unsafe for the community and especially for older people and people with disability. They were concerned that cyclists often travel at high speeds and many ignore traffic lights and pedestrians. People with hearing and vision impairments may not realise that cyclist could be coming at them from either direction.

How many people have a vision impairment?

According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, more than 13 million Australians have one or more chronic eye conditions. Some lead to more vision loss than others. The prevalence of colour blindness reminds designers that colour contrast is more than colour choice. For example, both red and green can be seen as the same colour grey depending on colour density.

This is a good article with photos by George Xinos titled, Active transport and people with disability.

The Disability (Access to Premises – Buildings) Standards 2010 has been updated rom 2009 to 2021 version. Andrew Heaton explains the changes and the issues for Development Assessment Panels.

Co-designing inclusive communities

Action-based research and participatory methods are long-standing academic research practices. These methods are now more widespread and more usually known as co-design and co-creation. The same principles apply to both: ask the people, listen, and work together. Nevertheless, university researchers bring their particular skill-set to co-designing inclusive communities.

“By exploring perspectives on inclusive and accessible public
and private spaces, this work builds on a multi-year effort to foster community led change.” Image of the front cover of the report.

Front cover of Where we belong report. It shows a map of the inner city area laid out in small different coloured rectangles representing blocks of land.

The University of Technology Sydney (UTS) focused on inner suburbs of Sydney for their research project. It was carried out in partnership with local community members who shared their time and stories. The resulting report highlights the best experiences of inclusive and accessible spaces. These stories provide a strong basis for building on what already exists to create even more of these places.

Co-designing places and spaces expands the skills of individuals and builds on the strengths within the community. It is so much more than creating a “nice” building or park.

Key points for policy and practice

The project found that loneliness and isolation was a community priority and that programs and initiatives should have this as a focus. A sense of belonging for all citizens is therefore the main aim. Briefly the key take-aways from the project are:

  • increased investment in free and low-cost community spaces and events
  • prioritising social infrastructure in urban planning; improving public transport and walkability
  • embedding co-design and participatory decision making in policy development
  • strengthening social inclusion policies for diverse and marginalised group
  • prioritising funding for safe and livable housing
  • funding for place-based organisations

Co-designing inclusion

The project was grounded in an asset-based framework which explores the strengths held in the community. These are the skills, knowledge, and community networks and organisations.

By embedding community leadership throughout the process participants gain a significant sense of ownership and long-term commitment that is often missing from both academic and professional initiatives. Image from the report.

Image from the UTS Belonging report showing a group of people standing around a table and a display of post it notes.

By focusing on community strengths, an asset-based approach captures people’s visions of ‘the best of what is’. It also mobilises existing networks and resources to create opportunities for social change.

The report explains the underpinning concepts for the co-design method which covered nine-month’s of work. The iterative cycle included finding out what is good now and upskilling community members to make change. Co-designing real-world community driven projects was another essential element of the process.

The title of the report is, Where We Belong: Creating inclusive and accessible communities across Glebe, Haymarket, Pyrmont and Ultimo.

The UTS media team provide an overview of the project and some of the outcomes. Local developers, building managers and community organisations are using the findings to advocate for the community.

The UTS Centre for Social Justice and Inclusion is focused on suburbs surrounding UTS.

Are we there yet? Norway universally designed 2025

Olav Rand Bringa is credited with bringing a universal design approach to Norwegian planning regulations back in 1999. The result was a forward thinking document, Norway Universally Designed 2025. Bringa has followed the evolution of universal design thinking for 25 years until his retirement last year.

Bringa has given a lot of thought to the evolution of the universal design concept, the language we use, and it’s application. He was part of the early movement and wrote about the processes in, Universal Design and Visitability: from Accessibility to Zoning (page 97). Although it began with the built environment it soon included the digital world.

Front cover of the book.

Here are past posts that refer to Bringa’s work and the landmark document Norway Universally Designed 2025.

Norway universally designed by 2025

Top half of the front cover of the Norway Universally Designed 2025. The graphic is various shades of blue with a woman operating an automatic teller machine.

The Norwegian Government took the principles of universal design and applied them across all policies to create maximum inclusion. This made everyone responsible for inclusion at every level – in the built environment, outdoor areas, transport, and ICT.

In 2008, Norway launched its first Action Plan 2009-2013 with the goal of a universally designed Norway by 2025.

The focus on was on people with disability, accessible built environments and minimising discrimination. The plan covered the actions of the public service and all ministries. “The Government’s work is based on universal design. Universal design is an expression of a value put on equality by society.“

In 2010, Norway amended its Planning and Building Act, among others, to include universal design. The plan was to take a staged approach to upgrading public buildings and spaces. 

The Delta Centre took responsibility to coordinate the actions in Norway’s 2015-2019 plan in 2016. This plan covers ICT and communications to a more detailed level.

Picture of the front cover of the Norwegian Action Plan on universal design.

Olav Rand Bringa provides extra insights in his paper, From Visions to Practical Policy: The Universal Design Journey in Norway. What did We learn? What did we gain? And what now?

He outlines the remaining barriers to implementation along with the successes. This paper draws together Bringa’s extensive experience in the field of universal design.

A guide for universal design is not enough

Guides give guidance, but you need to know the point of universal design. Knowing the point is a key success factor in taking a universal design approach. That’s why a guide is not enough – you need to know the point of it.  

The point is inclusion – it’s about society, not just design. The focus on compliance with standards does not tell you the reason, only what to do.  An article in Citylab provides some examples of how Norwegian designers are embracing the principles of universal design.

An aerial view of a hospital courtyard showing gardens, seating and children's play equipment.

St Olav’s Hospital in Trondheim is a good example of implementing universal design across the whole hospital setting. That’s from the outdoor and external features through to the internal design. The Chief Architect says, “Guidelines are not enough, you need clear intentions. You have to know what’s the point of this”. 

relates to With a Deadline In Place, Norway Warms Up to Universal Design

“It looks like a nice urban environment,” said Onny Eikhaug, Program Leader at the Norway Design Council. “It doesn’t look like a hospital, it doesn’t smell like a hospital.” DOGA, The Innovation Award for Universal Design.

Accessibility by another name – does it work?

Norway uses the term “accessible” to signify solutions specifically for people with disability when not required generally in the population. An interesting distinction by Olav Rand Bringa using his 20 years of experience working in the field of universal design.

Bringa says succinctly, “The term accessibility for people with disabilities does not broadcast an understanding of qualities beyond the targeted user group”.  Consequently other terms try to compensate for this. The image is of the Olso Opera House with a universally graded access.

picture of a modern building. Norway Opera House has a wide graded access and no steps.

However, it is difficult to move away from “accessibility” because it is perpetuated in legal and other statutory documents. Bringa writes thoughtfully about the issues of getting language right to get inclusion right. An important contribution to the quest for inclusive societies. The title of the article is, Universal Design as a Technical Norm and Juridical Term – A Factor of Development or Recession? it’s open access.

From the abstract

Norway introduced universal design as an ideological and technical concept in Norway in 1996. Since then universal design has replaced accessibility for people with disabilities in national policies, laws, regulations, standards, projects and everyday language.

“Accessibility” characterises solutions made more exclusively for people with disabilities. Few countries have made extensive use of the concept of universal design with challenges from lawmakers, architects, economists, user organizations, and entrepreneurs.

This paper reflects on more than 20 years of extensive use of the concept of universal design. It asks the question: Is universal design an academic invention with little extra positive impact compared to accessibility for people with disability? Or does the concept defend its supposed role as a step towards a society with equal opportunities for all?

Legal documents favour visible disabilities

Previous papers have highlighted successes and where there is room for improvement. A 2024 Norwegian study looks at universal design through a legislative lens and finds legal documents favour visible disabilities. 

In more recent years, people with invisible disabilities have raised their voices in the disability rights movement. However, their voices are yet to be incorporated into legislative documents.

A man's hand is writing the word regulations in large script style writing.

Historically, people with mobility and vision impairments led the way in disability rights. Consequently, legilsation was formed with their needs in mind.

The Norwegian researchers wanted to find out if there is a “disability prestige” at play. This is where some disabilities count more than others. Or is it something as basic as just having your disability visible to others? The researchers concluded that visibility was more important to explain discrimination between groups. 

In Australia the Access to Premises Standard also favours people with mobility and vision impairments. 

The context of the study was transport. They discuss the wording of documents and how terms such as “reduced mobility” are interpreted. It can mean a person with a physical and/or a cognitive impairment. In legislation, it is most often linked to bodily movement. 

Prestige versus visibility

Mobility impairments are mentioned more frequently than other disabilities in Norwegian documents. Vision impairments, also frequently mentioned, come in second. The conclusion is that discrimination between disability types is mostly explained by the visibility of a disability.  

Why does this matter? When provision for other disabilities and long term health conditions are absent in legal documents, businesses and services don’t consider them. 

The title is, How laws of universal design discriminate between different types of disabilities – Lessons learned from Norway.

Risk factors: climate and later age

In the age of climate change Australians are reassessing the risk of floods, fires and severe storms on their homes. But what about assessing the risk of capabilities in later age in home design? Perhaps they should be assessing both. Any proposed renovations should consider both climate and later age to ensure a safe and secure home into the future.

The quote reads, We have guidance on protecting our homes against climate events, but what about safeguarding against a risk that has a 100% probability - ageing?

Geoff Penrose makes the point very well in the April 2025 edition of the Lifemark Universal Design Newsletter. Lifemark promotes universal design principles for homes with a focus on health and wellbeing for all occupants. Their design standards provide the necessary information for that 100% probability factor – later age.

“Universal design helps everyone feel at home.”

“A Lifemark® rated home is easy to live in for anyone at any stage and can be life-changing for people living with an impairment, age-related illness or injury.”

A woman, a man and a small child in a powered wheelchair sit at a dining table doing a jigsaw puzzle together. It looks like a new home. From Lifemark's Standards.

The Lifemark standards reflect those in the Australian National Construction Code’s Livable Housing Design Standard. That’s because they are underpinned by a universal design approach. Unfortunately, while the National Construction Code is supposed to be national, not all states have adopted it. That means, many new homes will still have steps to the entry and be unsuited to an ageing population.

In a LinkedIn post, David Chandler wrote about the reaction of powerful voices to the NSW Building Reforms. He said that the development industry “predictably recoils” whenever a new regulation that raises building standards is presented. This is one of the reasons the housing industry has fought the Livable Housing Standard. It would require the building certifier to pay closer attention to the design and construction.

Get it right first time

Chandler goes on to say that rather than costing more, it pays to get it right first time and to resist cutting corners. This is exactly what universal design advocates have been saying for years. Get it right first time – it’s cost effective. Chandler, the former NSW Building Commissioner, addresses this topic in a Radio National broadcast.

Design for people with low vision

People with low vision cannot correct their eyesight with glasses, contact lenses, medication or surgery. While low vison can begin at any age, the likelihood increases once people reach 65 years. The Australian Institute of Architects has a web resource about designing for low vision.

The resource explains the different types of low vision caused by various conditions such as cataracts, macular degeneration, and glaucoma. Other conditions can be caused by a stroke or diabetes. Total blindness with absolutely no detection of light is rare. Pictures highlight the differences between the conditions.

Six examples of low vision: normal, cataracts, macular degeneration at two stages, diabetic retinopathy and glaucoma.

Images by Francesca Davenport with graphics by Ria Davenport from the Australian Institute of Architects.

Design compliance for low vision

Sometimes photographs show visual complexities in the environment more clearly. The image below shows how the shadow of tree branches affects the visual design of the footpath.

The Australian Disability Discrimination Act mirrors part of the National Construction Code and Australian Standards requirements. But these regulations are not a guarantee against a discrimination claim.

A street scene showing a wide footpath and a row of shops in the suburbs

The resource lists all the Australian Standards that apply to designs, including luminance contrast.

Luminance contrast

Luminance contrast means the comparison between light reflected from one surface with the adjoining surface. Text is a good example. Light grey text against a white background will likely be invisible to someone with low vision. However, measuring luminance contrast is complex. This is due to different light conditions between day and night and even sunny or rainy days outside. The type of materials used is another factor plus wear and tear.

Penny Galbraith has written on this vexed issue to explain why user experience is more reliable than luminance measuring equipment. See also, Luminance contrast is a slippery concept.

Visual indicators on glazing

Glass doors that are not automatic or large glazed windows are often a concern because they are not easily detected – even by people with good vision. Full length windows can also be mistaken for a doorway or opening. This is why contrasting strips across doors and windows are essential for everyone – a universal feature. The building code and standards provide guidance.

Three examples of non compliant glazing strips. They are not easy to see.

Images from the article by Penny Galbraith

Tactile ground surface indicators (TGSI)

This is one area that people with low vision complain about all the time. Mostly because of the inconsistent and non-compliant application across the built environment. TGSIs warn people with low vision they are approaching a hazard.

TGSIs also require luminance contrast with the adjacent feature such as the footpath or stairway.

new concrete kerb ramp with yellow tactile indicators

The article also discusses lighting, handrails, stair risers, shorelining and layout, as well as signage and Braille.

Best practice design solutions

Best practice does not have to mean more cost if it is considered at the outset of the design. However, these features are too often left until last when the overall design cannot be changed. The resource covers layout, finishes, fixtures and fittings and provided additional advise on elements such as luminance contrast, lighting and glare.

Visual clarity and confusion

The effect of highly patterned surfaces are difficult for people with low vision, and for people with sensory processing difficulties.

Confusion occurs when surfaces with a high luminance contrast are interpreted as barriers or a step. Some patterns can look like holes in the floor, and shiny surface can look wet or slippery. This image looks like you are stepping on cubes.

Floor patterning in black white and grey that makes it look like you are walking on cubes.

The resource covers so much more. It is titled Design for vision impairment and is publicly available content by Australian Institute of Architects. There is a related resource on Lighting.

Streets for All

Continuous footways and bus stop bypasses are of particular concern to people with reduced mobility and vision. Living Streets and Transport for All in the UK ran a two year project on the issues. The research uncovered the issues and found ways to improve the impact of these features on streetscape accessibility. Streets for people with disability means safer and better streets for all pedestrians.

The first stage of the project involved interviewing representatives from organisations representing disability and cycling.

Image from NSW Government Movement and Place website. It shows a continuous footpath.

A person in a red jacket is crossing the street on a raised platform. Cars line the street.

Bus stop bypasses (or floating bus stops) involve a cycle track being placed between a footpath and an island with a bus stop. Bus passengers must cross the cycle track to access the bus stop. Continuous footways are described as an uninterrupted footway that extends across a side road. Usually the footway is raised to the same level as the footpath.

Continuous footways may be unsafe for people who are blind or partially sighted due to the lack of tactile paving. They may also be at risk when crossing cycle tracks to reach a bus stop as they don’t always hear cyclists coming. The noise of busy roads also makes the sound difficult to detect.

People with mobility issues need more time to cross the cycle track. This can put them at risk if cyclists do not allow them to pass. Also, wheelchair users have to navigate narrow islands to get on and off a bus.

Not safe? Find another route

People who are blind or have low vision usually get the expertise of a mobility trainer to help them navigate their local environment. Mobility trainers find different ways to ensure their clients are as safe as possible. Interestingly, all mobility trainers in the study teach their clients to indent into side roads because it gives them more time and a quieter space to hear what is coming.

Mobility trainers considered cycle tracks at bus stop bypasses generally risky and potentially they would teach a different route with a controlled crossing.

Potential solutions?

The study involved site visits with observations by people with disability. The key issues were raised in the discussions following the site visits. For the bus stops, descriptive markings for pedestrians to look both ways on two-way cycle paths would make them safer. Bus stop islands need more circulation space for wheelchairs and mobility scooters.

General lighting at bus stop bypasses should be improved, and that lighting should be used to indicate the presence of zebra crossings. Further solutions included adding rumble strips on cycle lanes, introducing speed bumps to slow down cyclists, and signage to indicate the presence of a cycle path.

For continuous footways, there should be steep ramps at continuous footways to ensure that cars slow down for pedestrians. It was also mentioned that there should be tactile paving at continuous footways to inform blind and partially sighted people of the potential presence of cars.

High contrast paving to alert people who have low vision was another suggestion. Also, implementing road markings to alert drivers to slow down, and improving the condition of pavements.

Would the solutions work?

While some solutions were feasible, they might not have the desired effect, or might have an adverse effect. For example, high contrast between the footpath and the continuous footway is feasible, but might lead to people driving over it as though they have priority. Other solutions will depend on maintenance, such as painted ground markings which have a maintenance cost. Indeed, this is a complex space to work in, and each design is context specific.

The main Living Streets webpage on inclusive design provides an overview of the whole project which was divided into two parts: bus stops and footways.

Transport for All: Living Streets Project Written Summary is the 6th appendix of a larger document containing Appendices 2-6 to the main report.

The title of the main report is, Inclusive design at bus stops with cycle tracks. A separate document has an appendix on Inclusive design at continuous footways.

The Austroads Guide to Traffic Management Part 8: Local Street Management (page 117) is the Australian reference for continuous footways.