The AARP Public Policy Institute has just released their report “Planning Complete Streets for an Aging America.”
This report addresses the need to create Complete Streets that are safe and convenient for travel by automobile, foot, bicycle and transit regardless of age or ability. Some findings from research conducted for this study show that:
* 2/3 of planners and engineers report they have not begun considering the needs of older road users in multi-modal planning.
* More than 80 states and localities have adopted Complete Streets policies, but less than 1/3 of these explicitly address the needs of older road users.
* 40% of adults age 50 and older report inadequate sidewalks in their neighborhoods. Nearly 50% report they cannot cross main roads close to their home safely.
* The report suggests revisions to five intersection treatments in the Federal Highway Design Handbook for Older Drivers and Pedestrians to better balance the needs of both older drivers and pedestrians.