Pike and pedestrian Small - Research Paper Example

In 2010, the number of pedestrian deaths was 12 per cent higher than in the previous year. The number of pedestrians injured in road accidents also rose by more than 5 percent in 2010 (Deka and Quddus 109). However, these increases are generally set against a downward trend of pedestrian fatalities and casualties since 1970. This paper will analyse the visual and physical limitations of pedestrians. People mandated with the design of public roads have to comprehend the needs of all road users, especially those with visual and physical limitations.

In this research, pedestrians are primarily defined as people who employ assistive devices, like wheelchairs to travel or people travelling on foot. Many people have conditions that inhibit their ability to use trails, roads and public sidewalks. Many pedestrians with a disability have more than one a single type of limitation. As such, a pedestrian using a wheelchair might also be visually impaired. Globally, facilities designed for people with physical limitations are user friendly and safer for all people on foot.

Some road designs might benefit a certain group of pedestrians and inhibit another group. For example, the installation of ramps for wheelchair users will make walking a little bit harder for many crutch and cane users who find it easy to using short steps. Engineers have designed both steps and ramps in order to accommodate all users with physical limitations. When designing facilities to be used by pedestrians, all potential users’ capabilities and needs should be considered. For example, it is estimated that by the year 2020, 17 percent of the United States population will be above the age of 65 (Bollard and Fleming 143).

People over the age of 75 years have physical limitations. As such, their mobility is limited. The aging process causes a general deterioration of sensory, cognitive and physical