Title

Practical guide to design for pedestrian mobility

Document Type

Conference Paper

Publication Date

2007

Subject Area

Mobility - Mobility aid, Mobility - Vision Impairment, Mobility - Wheelchair, Modes of Transport - Pedestrian, Transport planning - Accessibility planning

Abstract

The practical guide to design for pedestrian mobility attempts to sensitize and familiarize all the professionals involved in the area of mobility with respect to the minimum requirements for the pedestrian, especially those with reduced mobility, to be able to get around the city in a pleasant fashion. Keeping in mind these requirements allows the use of the city’s spaces and means of transportation for all users. This guide is offered as a technical aid to facilitate the design and execution of the different elements that make up the urban context, and their application in light of the minimum requirements for a greater number of users to be able to participate under equal conditions, improve their quality of life, and facilitate the use of public space. To the extent that a public space is suitable for use by a pedestrian with reduced mobility, it can be said that the space is suitable for any user. With this, greater coverage in terms of participation and appropriation of the collective citizenry is achieved with respect to the problem of pedestrian mobility in Bogotá. Currently there is a world-wide trend focused on achieving Accessible Cities, using a pattern of mobility based on accessible and sustainable mass transport for persons with reduced mobility, with its respective implications for having to adjust the urban context. Rapid transport systems with accessible connectors and feeders are multiplying all over the Americas, replicating the good practices initiated in Brazil and later adopted in Colombia. This guide is divided into three sections: First part – Guidelines: provides a description of the guidelines to be taken into account by designers, supervisors, inspectors, and builders when planning pedestrian mobility in public spaces. Second part – Design Parameters: summarizes all the regulations in force that are applicable to complying with the minimum requirements for pedestrians with reduced mobility to get around the city. Third part – Special Cases: describes a series of situations that are not contemplated in the regulations. Reviewing other experiences, adjustments can be made toward good practice based on the existing guidelines and regulations.