Fuquay Varina Pedestrian Plan - Adopted 8-1-2022

DESIGNING STREETS FOR ALL AGES AND ABILITIES Types of Pedestrians

Design Needs of Wheelchair Users Manual wheelchairs are self-propelled devices. Users propel themselves using push rims attached to the rear wheels. Braking is done through resisting wheel movement with the hands or arm. Alternatively, a second individual can control the wheelchair using handles attached to the back of the chair. Power wheelchairs use battery power to move the wheelchair. The size and weight of power wheelchairs limit their ability to negotiate obstacles without a ramp. Various control units are available that enable users to control the wheelchair movement, based on their ability (e.g., joystick control, breath controlled, etc). Maneuvering around a turn requires additional space for wheelchair devices. Providing adequate space for 180 degree turns at appropriate locations is an important element of accessible design.

The transportation network should accommodate pedestrians with a variety of needs, abilities, and possible impairments. Age is one major factor that affects pedestrians’ physical characteristics, walking speed, and environmental perception. Children have low eye height and walk at slower speeds than adults. Older adults walk more slowly and may require assistant devices to help with their walking stability, sight, and hearing. The table below summarizes common pedestrian characteristics for various age groups. The Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) recommends a normal walking speed of 3.5 feet per second when calculating the pedestrian clearance interval at traffic signals. The walking speed can drop to 3 feet per second for areas with older populations and persons with mobility impairments. The transportation system should accommodate these users to the greatest extent possible.

Wheelchair User Design Considerations

Effect on Mobility

Design Solution

Difficulty propelling over uneven or soft surfaces. Cross-slopes cause wheelchairs to veer downhill.

Firm, stable surfaces and structures, including ramps or beveled edges.

AGE

CHARACTERISTICS

Cross-slopes of less than two percent.

0-4

Learning to walk

Require wider path of travel.

Sufficient width and maneuvering space.

Requires constant adult supervision Developing peripheral vision and depth perception Increasing independence, but still requires supervision Poor depth perception Susceptible to “darting out” in roadways Insufficient judgment Sense of invulnerability

Eye Level

4’ 6” - 5’ 10” (1.3 m - 1.7 m)

5-8

Eye Height 3’8” (1.1 m)

9-13

14-18

Improved awareness of traffic environment Insufficient judgment Active, aware of traffic environment

Shoulders 1’ 10” (0.5 m)

19-40

Physical Width 2’6” (0.75 m)

Physical Width 2’2” (0.7 m)

Walking 2’ 6” (0.75 m)

41-65

Slowing of reflexes

Minimum Operating Width 3’ (0.9 m)

Minimum Operating Width 3’ (0.9 m)

65+

Difficulty crossing street Vision loss Difficulty hearing vehicles approaching from behind

Preferred Operating Space 5’ (1.5 m)

Minimum to Make a 180 Degree Turn 5’ (1.5 m)

Minimum Width of Accessway 4’ (1.2 m)

Minimum to Make a 180 Degree Turn 5’ (1.5 m)

40

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FUQUAY-VARINA PEDESTRIAN PLAN

CHAPTER 3: INFRASTRUCTURE RECOMMENDATIONS

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