Overview
- Peer-reviewed analysis of 1,110 adults aged 65 and over found an average walking speed of 0.77 m/s, well below the 1.2 m/s used in most UK crossing designs.
- On a typical five-metre crossing, the average participant would need about 6.5 seconds, more than two seconds longer than the green phase usually provides.
- Only 1.5% of older adults with mobility limitations could complete crossings within current signal times at a comfortable pace.
- Authors call for a planning standard based on 0.7 m/s and modest extensions to green signals, coupled with age-friendly street features such as safe paths and seating.
- Campaigners are urging government action, the study is published in Age and Ageing, and there is no confirmed policy change at this stage.