Evaluation of three pedestrian phasing with audible pedestrian signals configurations in Quebec City (Canada): an exploratory study of blind or visually impaired persons’ sense of safety, preferences, and expectations

Abstract

Purpose

This exploratory study aimed to evaluate the preferences, expectations, and sense of safety of blind or visually impaired persons regarding three types of pedestrian phasing with audible pedestrian signals configurations that exist in Quebec City (Canada). These include: 1) exclusive phasing with non-directional audible pedestrian signals; 2) exclusive phasing with directional audible pedestrian signals; and 3) concurrent phasing with directional audible pedestrian signals.

Methods

Thirty-two blind or visually impaired persons were asked to complete a survey. Their preferences and expectations regarding audible pedestrian signals were documented through a series of simulations. Their sense of safety regarding the three existing configurations were also documented. Subsequently, semi-directed, individual interviews with 11 of the individuals who had completed the survey were conducted to build off the collected information.

Results

No formal consensus regarding many of the issues discussed were established as participants’ responses varied too significantly. However, findings suggest that the exclusive phasing with directional audible pedestrian signals configuration is perceived to be the safest option by the participants.

Conclusion

This study may have practical implications on the design of intersections (e.g., selection of a type of pedestrian phasing with audible pedestrian signal) and the training of blind or visually impaired pedestrians.

IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION

• The addition of audible pedestrian signals to pedestrian signals heightens the sense of safety of blind or visually impaired persons.

• This study may have practical implications on the design of intersections with audible pedestrian signals and the selection of a type of audible pedestrian signals based on intersection characteristics.

• Since many participants reported a lower sense of safety when faced with concurrent phasing, it is recommended that more intensive orientation and mobility interventions be provided to blind or visually impaired pedestrians who use this type of traffic signals.

• Educating road users about blind or visually impaired pedestrians appears also essential.

Keywords:

• Visual impairment
• audible pedestrian signals
• accessibility
• inclusive city
• participatory research

Acknowledgements

The authors thank the research assistants who helped with data collection. They also acknowledge Jean Leblond, Ph.D., statistician, for his support in the analysis of quantitative data.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

This study was funded by the Office des personnes handicapées du Québec (OPHQ), the Réseau Provincial de Recherche en Adaptation-Réadaptation (REPAR), the Regroupement des personnes handicapées visuelles (régions 03-12) and the Comité des usagers from the Centre intégré universitaire de santé et de services sociaux de la Capitale-Nationale. F. Routhier is supported by a Senior Research Scholar grant from the Fonds de recherche du Québec - Santé [grant number 296761].