Truly Accessible Cities?

Allied Mobility reflect on the accessibility of cities for disabled citizens in 2018 and ask, ‘what can be done to make cities truly accessible’?

Prediction of the Rise of Disabled Urban Populations

One billion disabled people are estimated to be living in cities by 2050.  Most current cities are inaccessible to people with mobility issues and with the current prediction, some cities are beginning to make changes.  For physically disabled people, inaccessibility can be anything from stair only entrances to shops, buildings without lifts and inaccessible toilet facilities.  Although there are laws and regulations in place to ensure accessibility for disabled people – they’re often not followed.

Negative Impact on the Economy

Cities being inaccessible not only negatively affects disabled people’s personal lives, but, is also bad for the economy.  A study conducted by One World Health Organisation, found that disabled people are less likely to socialise or work if there is a lack of transport available.  This lack of easy transportation makes it difficult for disabled people to navigate busy cities. For example, David Meere, a visually impaired man from Melbourne (Australia) said:

“The fear of not being able to navigate busy, cluttered and visually oriented environments is a major barrier to participation in normal life”.

“The fear of not being able to navigate busy, cluttered and visually oriented environments is a major barrier to participation in normal life”

In other words, fear and anxiety regarding navigating cities can stop disabled people from joining in and being a part of society.  In terms of tourism, the UK’s accessible tourism market is worth an estimated £12bn, which inaccessible cities are missing out on.  But let’s take a look at the cities that are doing it right.

Some of the UK’s Most Accessible Cities

The UK has its fair share of accessible cities, with varying features making them attractive to disabled locals and visitors.  Here are a few of them, which can easily be reached from wherever you are in the country:

Lincoln – Known for its history and matching architecture, it doesn’t sound like it would be very accessible.  However, the ancient castle has been fitted with a lift that blends into the original design and accessible toilets.  Some streets are cobbled, but can be avoided by using shuttle buses between sectors of the city.

Edinburgh – Further north, we have another historic city built on a lot of hills!  However, Edinburgh now has a fast and easy tram system which connects all parts of the city and is easily accessible.

Cardiff – Cardiff is a fairly, flat and compact city, making it a good option for accessible travel.  There’s plenty of hotels suitable for disabled guests and many accessible attractions too.  These range from outdoor parks, science centre, cathedral, boating, sports centre, theatres and much more!

There are lots of exciting and accessible places to visit in the UK and with many wheelchair accessible hire vehicles available, it makes a ‘stay-cation’ the perfect holiday choice.

Domino Effect

Will the increasing accessible features in some UK cities encourage others to follow suit?  The prediction of a growing disabled urban population, will potentially force cities to change their point of view and consider accessibility.  Some cities around the world are already changing their city design to be accessible, whilst others fall behind.  It will soon become unacceptable to be inaccessible.