Are Older Pedestrians Allowed Enough Time to Cross Intersections Safely?

Objective To describe the pedestrian traffic flow at a busy urban intersection and determine the percentage of older pedestrians at risk for injury as a result of reduced walking speeds. Design Observational study. Setting The intersection of Third Street and Fairfax Avenue in Los Angeles, California. Participants All pedestrians who started to cross the intersection during the legally acceptable parts of the traffic cycle during three days of observation ( n = 1229) and a subsequent sample of 100 consecutive younger and 100 consecutive older crossers. Measurements The ability of all subjects to cross the intersection in the allotted time was measured. A questionnaire was administered to pedestrians who were unable to cross the intersection in time. In addition, we measured the actual gait speed of a subsequent consecutive sample of 100 younger and 100 older pedestrians. Results Of the 592 older pedestrians observed, 27% were unable to reach the opposite curb before the light changed to allow cross traffic to enter the intersection, and one‐fourth of this group were stranded by at least a full traffic lane away from safety. All younger pedestrians were able to cross in the allotted time. Older pedestrians took significantly longer than younger pedestrians to cross the street ( P < 0.0001). The mean walking velocity ±1 SD for older and younger pedestrians was 0.86 ± 0.17 and 1.27 ± 0.17 m per second, respectively. Fifty‐three percent of those older pedestrians unable to cross in time were willing to be surveyed. Mean age was 77 years, 74% considered the intersection to be “dangerous,” and 63% stated they cross the street at least once daily. City traffic reports revealed that over the preceding 5 years about one older pedestrian per year had been hit in this intersection, and 165 such injuries had occurred city‐wide per year. Conclusion The timing of this pedestrian signal does not allow adequate time for many older pedestrians to cross and puts them at potential risk. Providing more crossing time may reduce pedestrian injuries and allow for an increased feeling of independence and confidence by older citizens.