Inclusive Public Space Research Project

1. How this Guide has Come About and Who it is for 

This guide is based on research with stakeholders in India, and people with disabilities in Pune and Delhi who told us about problems they faced when getting around city streets. It shares ideas about what members of the public can do to make streets more inclusive of pedestrians with disabilities, older pedestrians and others. It draws on relevant laws, but it also makes suggestions which go beyond what law requires.

2. How to Make Pedestrian Spaces Safer and More Inclusive 

2.1 When You’re a Pedestrian 

• Some pedestrians will have disabilities even if this is not obvious. A white cane indicates that a person is blind or partially sighted. A red and white cane indicates that a person has difficulties both hearing and seeing. Somebody using hand gestures might be Deaf and communicating in Sign Language, and unable to hear you. 
• Ask people with disabilities who seem to be struggling, (e.g. with crossing the road) or approaching a danger (eg uncovered potholes) if they would like help. If they say yes, ask them how they would like to be helped.
• Be considerate when using the road and walkways:
• Give people with disabilities time / space to pass through narrow gaps.
• Keep phone calls short and move out of the way for longer calls.
• Do not drop litter. 
• Be aware of your legal obligations, including for ‘negligence’. 

2.2 When You’re Driving Cars, Vans or Other Motorised Vehicles

• Stop to let pedestrians cross roads, especially if they have a disability.
• Avoid parking on walkways.
• Avoid parking so as to block pedestrian crossings or ramps for accessing pavements.
• Make sure that there is nothing sticking out from your vehicle across a pavement. 
• When parked, check for passing pedestrians before opening doors across pavements.
• Do not park in spaces for drivers with disabilities.
• Be aware of your legal obligations, including under the Motor Vehicles Act 1988. Criminal law and negligence law also apply. 

2.3 When You’re Riding a Motor Bike, Bicycle, Scooter or Other MicroMobility Device

• Avoid riding on pavements, or in areas with lots of pedestrians.
• Slow down and stop to let pedestrians with disabilities cross.
• Be considerate and helpful to pedestrians with disabilities, for whom navigating busy streets is often very stressful.
• Give pedestrians with whom you are sharing space plenty of space and slow down. Or, better still, get off and push until you are through the crowds.
• Fit your bike/scooter etc with a working bell so you can alert pedestrians.
• Be aware of your legal obligations, including under the Motor Vehicles Act 1988. Criminal and negligence law also apply.

2.4 When You’re at Work or Running a Business

• Avoid putting boards/signs or street furniture on pavements.
• Avoid allowing anything to stick out across pavements at head height or below, e.g. an open window.
• Avoid placing market stalls where they will make pedestrian thoroughfares too narrow for wheelchair-users or create trip hazards and crowding.
• Put up fencing around outdoor stalls or café furniture, with ground-level barriers so they can be felt with a long cane.
• Keep pavements clean and free of rubbish and clutter.
• Be aware of your legal obligations. Comply with best practice design guidance for access features.

2.6 When You’re at Home 

• Make sure nothing sticks out over pavements near your home, e.g. vegetation or windows.
• Avoid leaving anything on pavements that might be a trip hazard.
• Avoid parking vehicles on pavements.
• Keep pavements near your home clear of rubbish.
• Report problems with pavements near your home to the municipal authority. Also, be aware of your legal obligations as a homeowner or occupier.