The Dunedin City Council is creating a more pedestrian-friendly city by making footpaths safer for people with mobility or visual challenges.

Lowered kerbs and yellow tactile paving are being installed in 100 crossings throughout Dunedin to help people cross the road. Lowered kerbs are ramps created in a footpath at a road crossing to help those who are mobility impaired cross streets more easily. Tactile paving is a textured surface to aid visually impaired people.

In the coming year, the focus is improving safety on pedestrian routes in Andersons Bay, Caversham, Mornington, Brockville, Helensburgh, Wakari, Kaikorai Vlley, Roslyn, Kenmure as well as Waikouaiti.

In the past two years, more than 100 crossings were altered in South Dunedin and the central city.

DCC Group Manager Transport, Richard Saunders, says, “We recognise that the age of Dunedin’s infrastructure means many of our footpaths and roads don’t work well for pedestrians or people with pushchairs, wheelchairs or other mobility devices or for those who are visually impaired. These safety improvements will ensure our footpaths and roads meet the needs of all pedestrians.”

Commenting on the pedestrian safety work, the Executive Office for Age Concern Otago, Debbie George, says her organisation is delighted the DCC is making footpaths safer for people with mobility or visual challenges. “Dunedin’s older population is increasing and people are living active lives for longer. A fall for an older person is often life changing and sometimes life threatening, so pedestrian safety is vital.”

The spokesperson for the Disabled Persons Assembly (DPA), Chris Ford, also welcomed the commitment from the DCC to improving the city’s pedestrian infrastructure. “We are collaborating with the DCC to ensure this work meets the expectations of all users, particularly blind people and people with mobility, vision and other impairments who rely on kerb cuts to navigate crossings safety.”

The work begins on 12 November and will cost $500,000.

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