An Accessible Approach to Shared Streets
In October 2017 the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) unveiled a groundbreaking new resource on planning and designing shared streets to accommodate people with vision disabilities. The first report of its kind, Accessible Shared Streets: Notable Practices and Considerations for Accommodating Pedestrians with Vision Disabilities (learn more and download the report) introduces accessible design principles for shared streets based on detailed research and extensive outreach, equipping communities to pursue new designs that are accessible for people with vision disabilities. Drawing from notable practices, public outreach, and field analysis from multiple US cities, this resource pushes the practice of shared street design towards accessibility for all users.
Toole Design Group and Accessible Design for the Blind were part of the team that helped FHWA bring this innovative resource to the public. Join us in hearing from these organizations on how to implement this new resource on your streets.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Learn how pedestrians with vision disabilities navigate shared streets, and understand the significant challenges they face.
- Develop a toolbox of strategies for planning and designing shared streets that are accessible.
- Understand the design concepts behind Tactile Walking Surface Indicators (TWSIs) and Detectable Edges
- Lessons learned from Shared Street implementation in the U.S.
- Identify additional needs for U.S. research and guidance regarding the appropriate physicality and use of directional indicators, Shared Street signs, and ongoing operations.
We need to involve pedestrians with range vision disabilities and their advocates at every stage in the planning and design of a shared street - let's get the conversation started!
