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time taken to cross the road green man showing New research says the intervals are often too short for the elderly or people with mobility problems to use them safely.
The research, conducted by the universities of Bath, Birmingham and Exeter, analyzed the walking speed of 1,110 adults aged 65 and over from two major UK trials.
He found that the average walk pace was 0.77 m/s, much lower than the 1.2 m/s predicted by most pedestrian crossing designs. This means that the average participant will take 6.5 seconds to cross a 5-metre road – which is two seconds more than green crossing signals usually allow.
Additionally, only 1.5 percent of older adults with mobility limitations walk fast enough at their comfortable pace to cross the street within the time normally allowed by pedestrian signals.
The study also showed that older age, lower strength and balance were associated with slower walking speed. More than half of the participants would need to increase their comfortable walking speed by 50 percent or more to safely cross an average street.
The researchers argue that even small changes, such as increasing the green signal time by a few seconds, could make a big difference. They propose adjusting crossing times to reflect a more realistic walking speed of 0.7 m/s, which would allow more people to cross safely and confidently.
They are calling for the integration of mobility supports by creating age-friendly outdoor spaces such as safe walkways, benches and extended crossing times to ensure older adults can move with confidence and remain active in their communities.,
study led Dr. Max WesternA senior lecturer in the Department of Health at Bath. He said: “The current time spent crossing may be unrealistic for many older people who face challenges with their mobility. It’s not just a Security Issue – This potentially hinders independence, physical activity and social connection, all of which are often reduced in later life.
Professor Afroditi Stathi, from the University of Birmingham, who led the two UK research trials that underpinned the findings, said: “Older adults often face challenges in staying active and connected, especially when mobility is reduced. Designing outdoor spaces that work for everyone – such as allowing enough time to cross the street – can boost confidence, support independence, and help them stay engaged in their communities. – All this is important for a better quality of life.”
A Department for Transport spokesperson said: “Local authorities set crossing times, and our guidance already allows for slower speeds to help everyone cross safely.
“We encourage local authorities to make maximum use of technology such as pedestrian countdown signals and on-crossing detectors, which can automatically extend crossing times when needed.”