Document Type

Conference Paper

Publication Date

2004

Subject Area

Location - Europe, Location - UK, Location - USA, Mobility - Independence, Modes of Transport - Bus, Modes of Transport - Pedestrian, Population - Elderly

Abstract

In European countries, walking provides for about a quarter of all journeys and local buses provide useful mobility, particularly in larger urban areas. Between the ages of about 60 and 75 the average number of journeys on foot and by bus increases or is at least constant, while the number of journeys as a car driver reduces. In Britain, people aged over 70 make more journeys on foot than as car drivers, except in deep rural areas. In USA, walking only accounts for some 8% of all journeys and local buses for less than 2%. As people age, they walk and use buses less and become even more dependent on car travel than they were in middle age. This paper describes travel patterns for older persons in three European countries and the USA. It outlines how pedestrian infrastructure and local public transport can be made easy for older persons, enabling older people to retain their independence and mobility.