Standard UK road crossing intervals are often too short for older adults with reduced mobility, following analysis from two studies
Road crossings need to provide extra time to allow older people with mobility issues enough time to use them, new research has indicated.
A new study published in Age and Ageing by researchers at the University of Birmingham, Bath University and Exeter University found that the time interval of crossings in the UK is more than two seconds shorter than people with reduced mobility need.
Only 1.5% of older adults with mobility limitations walk fast enough at their comfortable speed to cross the road within the time normally allowed by pedestrian signals, the study also found.
The research analysed walking speeds of 1,110 adults aged 65 and over from two major UK trials. Their average walking speed was 0.77 metres per second, well below the 1.2 m/s assumed by most pedestrian crossing designs. This means the average participant would take 6.5 seconds to cross a 5-metre road – over two seconds more than the green crossing signal typically allows.
Designing outdoor spaces that work for everyone can boost confidence, support independence, and help them remain engaged in their communities - all key to a better quality of life
Professor Afroditi Stathi from the University of Birmingham, who leads the two UK research studies underpinning the findings, commented: “Older adults often face challenges staying active and connected, especially when mobility is reduced. Designing outdoor spaces that work for everyone – such as allowing enough time to cross the road – can boost confidence, support independence, and help them remain engaged in their communities - all key to a better quality of life.”
The study also found that older age, lower strength and balance were associated with slower walking speeds. Over half of participants would need to increase their comfortable walking speed by 50% or more to cross an average road safely.
The researchers argue that even small changes, such as extending green signal times by a few seconds, could make a big difference. They propose adjusting crossing times to reflect a more realistic walking speed of 0.7 m/s, which would allow more people to cross safely and confidently.
While innovations like smart crossings and countdown timers are emerging, the team warns that without targeted public awareness and inclusive design, these technologies may not benefit those most in need.
The research team is calling for:
Dr Max Western, Associate Professor in the University of Bath's Department for Health, said: “Current crossing times might be unrealistic for many older people who face challenges with their mobility. This isn’t just a safety issue – it’s potentially a barrier to independence, physical activity, and social connection, all of which often decline in later life.”
The research paper presents a secondary analysis of data collected as part of two NIHR Public Health Research Programme grants (reference: 13/164/51 and 130156), led by Professor Afroditi Stathi from the School of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation studies. Academics from the School cover a range of perspectives and approaches that produce scientific knowledge, interventions, applied/clinical practice, health policies, and narratives on physical activity as means to address the health of individuals and communities across the life course. Examples include Active Ageing, through the ACE project and REACT, creating the environments and opportunities that enable people to be and do what they value throughout their later life.
Professor of Physical Activity and Community Health
Professor Afroditi Stathi leads the field in promoting active and healthy ageing in international/interdisciplinary research
