By Eric Murphy
Designing for “all ages and abilities,” – meaning accessible curb ramps, bus stops, and safe bike paths – is not new to most transportation professionals. But meeting the needs of aging Baby Boomers will take a more systemic approach to building for all ages and abilities. Living in places with more developed and reliable transit and sidewalk networks where goods and services are close by is good for seniors, and for everyone else.
As America continues to grow older – 18% of the population is now over 65 – many seniors will have to plan how to get around and stay connected without driving once they can no longer do so. The way many communities and transportation systems are set up, not driving is a daunting option. Giving seniors other ways to move around – like safe, comfortable, and reliable transit – can help them stay connected, get to appointments, and maintain their independence as they age without needing to overspend on rideshare rides. Encouraging compact development, even in rural towns, can bring seniors close enough to walk where they need to go, like the grocery store, church, or homes of friends. Safe Main Streets with lower speeds, easier crossings, and other safety measures also help make choosing not to drive easier.
Making life easier for seniors benefits everyone else, too. That includes the one-in-five Americans that are under 18, and their parents who end up shuttling them to school and other activities. A whopping 77% of families drive their kids to school, accounting for as much as 10% of traffic. After school activities often don’t line up well with transit schedules or take place in far-flung locations, requiring parents to drive even more. Improving walking, biking, and transit options for children to use, too, would benefit the whole system, not to mention exhausted parents.
Together, seniors and children make up about two-in-five Americans. Some people in each of these groups drive, but designing transportation networks where driving is the only option leaves out many community members. Giving these groups more options benefits not only them, but the whole community, who may find walking, biking, or busing more pleasant. More travel options can also lead to more convenient overall access to destinations.
And there’s more: plenty of adults choose not to drive, have physical limitations that prevent them from driving, or can’t afford to own a car. In a recent Pew survey, 10% of adults and 18% of urban adults rarely or never drive. People with low incomes are especially unlikely to drive. With better walking, biking, and transit options – and more compact development to bring destinations closer – more people will have the freedom not to drive if they don’t want to for more trips. Including grandma.
Photo credit: Karolina Grabowska via Pexels. License.