Blind and Visually Impaired Community
↑
3
↓
Obstacles for blind people when navigating cities? (self.Blind)
submitted by julieateigen
Hello!
This is my first post on this channel. I am an architecture Master's student who is working on a project on walkability for the blind in cities. I was hoping that by writing on this channel, I would get some answers from people whose experiences I don't share, to avoid making assumptions.
My first question is this; What are the most challenging obstacles for you as a blind person when navigating cities?
Hoping to ask some more questions on here over the next month, please let me know if there's anything I can do to make my posts more accessible.
This is my first post on this channel. I am an architecture Master's student who is working on a project on walkability for the blind in cities. I was hoping that by writing on this channel, I would get some answers from people whose experiences I don't share, to avoid making assumptions.
My first question is this; What are the most challenging obstacles for you as a blind person when navigating cities?
Hoping to ask some more questions on here over the next month, please let me know if there's anything I can do to make my posts more accessible.
vwlsmssng 5 points 3y ago
julieateigen [OP] 2 points 3y ago
Thank you!
KillerLag 3 points 3y ago
Non-standard intersections (streets that cross at not 90 degree angles, offset roads, etc).
julieateigen [OP] 1 points 3y ago
Thanks! This is great.
NovemberGoat 3 points 3y ago
Road crossings that start and finish at strange angles. There's a roundabout close to where I live that has a set of staggered pedestrian crossings with lights. I avoid it at all costs when on my own. Not only are the angles hard to hit, the curbs I'm supposed to find are almost non-existent. Add in a ton of fast moving traffic and you've got a fantastic recipe of awful.
My travels to Canada introduced me to the horror of what I think are called bus stations out there. A set of randomly arranged polls for you to stand at while you wait for your bus. If you stand at the wrong one, you miss it. There's a ton of guess work that goes on, especially if you're not local.
There are so many more, but I'd be here all day. I may well add more later on. I've got a very amateur interest in design and architecture so am always attracted to thought processes like this. Thanks for reaching out.
My travels to Canada introduced me to the horror of what I think are called bus stations out there. A set of randomly arranged polls for you to stand at while you wait for your bus. If you stand at the wrong one, you miss it. There's a ton of guess work that goes on, especially if you're not local.
There are so many more, but I'd be here all day. I may well add more later on. I've got a very amateur interest in design and architecture so am always attracted to thought processes like this. Thanks for reaching out.
julieateigen [OP] 1 points 3y ago
Oh, never even thought of 90 degree crossings! Thank you!
NovemberGoat 1 points 3y ago
You're more than welcome. Many blind people are only comfortable with a straight shot crossing. The inherent nature of a flat road surface gives us no tactile or auditory information on how or where to turn, which can be terrifying when faced with any crossing target with a weird angle.
Crackerjack540 2 points 3y ago
I wish every crossing signal went "bing bong" when it was green. I've seen these when I visited DC last year and they are the best. Because I just wait for traffic to be turning left on my left. Check the best that I can that no one is turning left across the intersection. And run.
rebel_134 3 points 3y ago
I live in DC and I agree, the crossings here are some of the best! Problem is, besides downtown and touristy areas, these APS are sparse. On the upside though, drivers DO seem to respect pedestrians from what I can tell.
julieateigen [OP] 2 points 3y ago
In Norway crossings make clicking sounds for the duration of the green light, they speed up when it's about to turn red. Do you think this is more or less effective than a audio signal for "green" and one for "red"? Thanks for replying!
​
u/Crackerjack540 u/rebel_134
​
u/Crackerjack540 u/rebel_134
bradley22 2 points 3y ago
Broken paving slabs.
julieateigen [OP] 1 points 3y ago
Cheers! Will take note.
bradley22 1 points 3y ago
No problem.
This nonprofit website is run by volunteers.
Please contribute if you can. Thank you!
Our mission is to provide everyone with access to large-
scale community websites for the good of humanity.
Without ads, without tracking, without greed.
scale community websites for the good of humanity.
Without ads, without tracking, without greed.
©2023 HumbleCat Inc • HumbleCat is a 501(c)3 nonprofit based in Michigan, USA.