Are Older Pedestrians Allowed Time to Cross Streets Safely

To the Editor: The data presented in the article “Are Older Pedestrians allowed enough time to Cross Intersections Safely?” in the March issue of theJournal1 indicates the need to improve crossing arrangements for older citizens. Proposals for the provision of more crossing time and mid-street pedestrian islands to reduce pedestrian injuries merit serious consideration. In addition, measures to improve functional ability, in particular walking speed, of older people are of importance. We have previously reported2 that elderly female subjects with a mean age of 71.5 (range 63-82) years can significantly improve walking speeds with an exercise program. These subjects, who had undergone hip surgery on average 1 year previously, increased their walking speeds from 0.82 m/sec on entry to 1.49 m/sec after a twice weekly exercise program. At the entry to the study only three of the 26 subjects were able to achieve the minimum recommended walking speed of 1.07 meters/second required to negotiate a ‘Pedestrian’ road crossing 3 in the United Kingdom, whereas on completion of the exercise period, 25 of the 26 were able to exceed the requirement. An enhanced awareness of the benefits of regular exercise coupled with road traffic measures may contribute to a reduction in pedestrian injuries in older people.