01656849

Component

In 2030, one in every five Americans will be considered an older adult. An aging population faces walkability barriers and its members are significantly more likely to be seriously injured or killed in a car crash. In response, Safe Routes for Seniors programs seek to address these problems. This paper evaluates programs in New York, Chicago, San Francisco. Program outcomes such as pedestrian access and safety will be studied as these project mature, but they are too new to permit that type of evaluation. Rather, this paper evaluates program design – are the programs likely to produce effective pedestrian improvements for seniors? The study finds that each program has a unique approach but no program uses a holistic strategy, as is the case in many Safe Routes to Schools programs. For greatest success, programs use a holistic approach by appointing task forces, setting clear goals and evaluation metrics, and offering more educational and encouragement activities for seniors. The results can guide local governments and non- profits when considering designing such programs.

This paper was sponsored by TRB committee ANB60 Standing Committee on Safe Mobility of Older Persons.

18-02297

English

18p

2018

Transportation Research Board 97th Annual Meeting

Digital/other

References; Tables

Access; Aged; Evaluation; Pedestrian safety; Safety programs; Walkability

Chicago (Illinois); New York (New York); San Francisco (California)

Highways; Pedestrians and Bicyclists; Planning and Forecasting; Safety and Human Factors; Society

Transportation Research Board Annual Meeting 2018 Paper #18-02297

TRIS, TRB, ATRI

Jan 8 2018 10:33AM