As the global population ages, it becomes increasingly important to consider how our cities are designed and built to accommodate people of all abilities. Last week, transport officials proposed several measures to improve accessibility in British towns and cities. These measures include giving people more time to cross the road at traffic lights and enhancing the visibility of street signs. This is a positive step towards creating a more inclusive environment.
According to the United Nations, by 2050, two-thirds of the world’s population will live in cities. However, our cities are not designed to be inclusive for everyone. In fact, many aspects of urban planning can be exclusionary and ableist. For example, in London, only one-third of London Underground stations are wheelchair-friendly. As ticket station closures are planned, disabled and elderly individuals who rely on assistance to safely access public transportation will face further discrimination. It’s no wonder that many disabled people find navigating the urban environment challenging, scary, and exhausting.
As a young and able-bodied person, I was unaware of how exclusionary our public spaces were until I became a wheelchair user myself due to a period of illness. Suddenly, the pavements I had previously walked on without a second thought became treacherous. Every crack in the pavement sent a painful jolt through my already vulnerable body, and some streets became impassable. This experience made me realize the importance of inclusive design and the impact it has on people’s lives.
Although my body eventually recovered and I no longer needed a wheelchair, the memories and experiences have stayed with me, along with a deep sense of injustice. Shortly after my recovery, one of my parents was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, a degenerative illness that can affect mobility. This further highlighted the barriers that exist in our cities. Everyday activities we once took for granted now require careful consideration. Certain shops and facilities are avoided due to accessibility difficulties, and even trips to the cinema are canceled due to a lack of accessible parking near the venue. I realized that the feelings of exclusion I had as a temporary wheelchair user are now being felt by my parent on a permanent basis.
In 2021, there were 10.4 million registered disabled people in England and Wales, indicating that town planners are starting to recognize the need for inclusive design. Projects like the HS2 rail line are being built with step-free access, and the legacy of the 2012 Paralympics in London can still be seen with investments in inclusive designs. For example, nearly £4 million was spent on making almost 4 kilometers of the South Bank more accessible, including the addition of ramps and smoother paths.
However, crooked pavements and illegible street signs are not the only obstacles faced by disabled pedestrians. The introduction of low-traffic neighborhoods and pedestrianized areas has restricted access to certain parts of our cities. While these schemes aim to address issues like congestion and air pollution, they must also consider the needs of those who rely on cars for transportation. Priority parking for disabled individuals is essential, but there must also be accessible parking spaces available near car-free zones to ensure equal access.
The social model of disability highlights that it is the barriers in society that disable individuals, rather than their specific impairments or differences. A person may only be considered disabled if the environment makes it so. It is crucial for town planners to embrace this perspective and create cities that enable everyone to live full and accessible lives.
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