As the number of vulnerable road users (specifically disabled and elderly) increases, the UK has a responsibility for keeping them safe as they go about their lives.

So says Ann Frye, who has championed the transport needs of those groups for more than 30 years – and was previously the head of the DfT’s mobility and inclusion unit, leading on research legislation and policy.

“With age comes increased vulnerability as a pedestrian and as a road user,” she reasons.

One of the biggest threats to improving road safety within the mobility mix are e-scooters, she maintains. “E-scooters have become an absolute nightmare for people. Not only have there been fatalities, but an awful lot of people have lost the confidence to go onto the streets and pavements,” reports Frye.

“I think it's very important to note that, particularly with older people, once confidence is lost, they often don’t regain it. When people have had a near miss with a scooter or a bike, it might mean they would never go out again.” 

Frye believes the green agenda has potentially created a conflict between the protection of different road users who share spaces, and she would like to see action taken in 2024.

“Anywhere that puts pedestrians and cyclists or motorists within the same space is potentially very difficult,” she states. “And some shared spaces have already been put on hold for these very reasons. Personally, I would ban e-scooters, but that's probably not going to happen so they need to be subject to much better monitoring and enforcement.

“At the moment, there are a huge number of real-life examples of intimidation and risk. So, if the trials are going to result in proper regulation, that needs to be properly enforced, including where they're parked.”

Bringing floating bus stops back to earth

Another area that Frye would like to see addressed for the benefit of disabled and elderly road users is floating bus stops.

“In these road layouts, there’s a cycle lane between the pavement and the bus stop, which has been done to protect cyclists from the traffic,” she explains. “But it means older or blind pedestrians have to step over a cycle track before they get to the bus stop.

“So, what’s done to protect cyclists has put pedestrians at greater risk, which doesn’t make sense. My plea for the next year would be to not have any more of those bus stop layouts. The Highway Code is clear that the hierarchy of vulnerability puts pedestrians at the top. Obviously, cyclists are vulnerable but not as vulnerable as pedestrians.”

More emphasis on drivers to respect vulnerable road users is something else that Frye says she would welcome in 2024, especially around road crossings. 

“Older people can be frightened by cars being revved by impatient drivers. That, again, leads to a loss of confidence, so we need to educate motorists about the need to respect older and disabled pedestrians in particular. Anything that can raise awareness is a good thing.” 

Frye cites the recent decision by TfL to replace the green man at five crossings with a wheelchair user symbol as an interesting development. “That's one great example of giving priority to disabled pedestrians and older pedestrians. And everybody will notice that and realise it is raising awareness.”

For those working in the industry who want to help and make a difference, there’s only one place to go, says Frye. “I was involved in developing CIHT's online training for disability awareness, including specific modules on dementia and low vision,” she explains. “I would like to see a non-negotiable condition of qualifying in any of the transport professions that you've studied and passed tests in accessibility areas such as disability awareness. 

CIHT is absolutely leading the industry in producing those courses. It’s the best thing you can do – whether you're a new graduate coming into the profession, or whether you've been there for years – to make sure you understand what the issues are.”

Image: electric scooters available for hire in Central London; credit: Shutterstock

Next steps

Access Ann Frye's CIHT Learn course Understanding Disability today.

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Ann Frye