In November 2006, a blind pedestrian was struck by a car while crossing the street on his way to a bus stop in Vancouver, Washington. Only visible pedestrian signals had been provided at the intersection. Because the pedestrian was not in the painted crosswalk, the driver was not found to be at fault.
Incomplete streets a barrier to travelers with disabilities
Even when roadways are provided with space for pedestrians to walk, they may still not be usable by some. They often are difficult to navigate for people who use wheelchairs, can’t see well, or for older people who move more slowly. Our streets should be safe and comfortable for everyone to use - and particularly for people who cannot choose to drive.
Along incomplete streets, unpaved surfaces and disconnected, narrow, or deteriorated sidewalks discourage wheelchair travel - and the lack of a curb ramp can force a pedestrian into the street. Wide intersections with high speed traffic can limit the mobility of older persons. WALK signals that only work for the sighted provide no cues to pedestrians who have vision loss. Bus stops that are only a place with a pole in the grass without sidewalks are inaccessible and an uncomfortable place to wait.
Incomplete streets are a constant source of frustration and danger for people with disabilities. A recent study found that blind pedestrians waited three times longer to cross the street, and made many more dangerous crossings than sighted pedestrians. A significant portion of paratransit trips are necessary not because people are too disabled to use public transit, - but because the street network is so poorly designed that they cannot reach the bus stop or train station.
In Houston, sidewalks are not provided between home and the nearest bus stop for 3 out of 5 disabled and older residents; nearly three-quarters said streets near their homes also lack curb ramps and bus shelters. As a result, fewer than 10% of them use public transportation, even though 50 percent live within 2 blocks of a bus stop.
Complete streets help create livable communities
Streets that are really complete provide all of us - not just a few — with a choice of mobility options. They allow everyone to get to work, school and other destinations with the same level of safety and convenience, whether or not they have mobility, vision, or cognitive disabilities. They also help people who are coping with temporary disabilities, and those pushing strollers, pulling wheeled luggage, or managing large packages.
Complete streets means attention to details at intersections (such as curb ramps and retimed signals to account for slower movement), along pedestrian routes (smooth sidewalks free of obstacles, with usable benches) and at transit stops (ample space to approach, wait, and board safely).
A community with a complete streets policy routinely considers all users when transportation investment decisions are made. Providing a variety of transportation options connect citizens to the community and reduce the need to provide more costly alternatives, such as paratransit or private transportation service. These policies help remove barriers, transforming streets to serve everyone.
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