44% of wheelchair users say UK streets are inaccessible

According to the Disabled Citizens Inquiry conducted by Sustrans and the Disabled Person's Organization Transport for All, 40% of people with disabilities in the UK consider the country's streets to be inaccessible. The inquiry surveyed 1,100 respondents with various disabilities, and found that those with mobility impairments and individuals with learning disabilities were the most affected.

 These difficulties are compounded by the cost of living crisis in the UK, where 59% of respondents have had to reduce their travel due to rising costs, affecting their ability to attend healthcare appointments. Moving forward, Sustrans would like to see new laws prohibiting parking on the pavement, the creation of a long-term dedicated fund to improve pavements and local authorities committing to better provision of community services and amenities within walking and wheeling distance.

The findings of the inquiry are concerning and highlight the need for action to improve the accessibility of streets and roads in the UK. The report's authors conclude that the factors detailed above have all contributed to a “transport accessibility gap” signified by disabled people making 38% fewer journeys across all modes of transport than their non-disabled peers. This gap not only relates to physical infrastructure but negative attitudes from members of the public towards disabled individuals. One-third of respondents said they feared derogatory comments from others related to their physical or mental health condition when out walking and wheeling.

It is essential to put disabled people at the center of discussions about how we plan and create spaces where we can all move around easily and safely. The UK government must listen and take action to create places planned around people, not cars. This will help to address issues around inaccessible public transport and the lower rate of automobile ownership amongst people with disabilities.

This study well establishes that barriers to community mobility are not only related to physical infrastructure, but also to negative public attitudes.

A third of those surveyed said they fear being put down by others about their physical or mental health while out walking or driving.

This will resonate with many disabled pedestrians, who often avoid going out at certain times in UK towns and cities for fear of what they may face. This could include mid-afternoons on weekdays, when teenagers return from school independently, and evenings, when pubs close and people flock to the streets after drinking.

Looking ahead, Sustrans would like to see new laws banning parking on footpaths, a long-term dedicated fund to improve footpaths, and a commitment from local authorities to better provide community services and facilities within walking and driving distance.

The latter should also help address issues of accessible public transport, as well as low rates of car ownership among people with disabilities.

Commenting on the study, Sustrans CEO Xavier Brice said. "Our report clearly shows that understanding the barriers people with disabilities experience around their communities is critical to creating a fair society.

"Putting people with disabilities at the center of discussions about how we plan and create spaces where we can all move easily and safely is vital. The UK Government must listen and act to create places planned around people, not cars. "

The community mobility of disabled pedestrians is much more nuanced than those without lived experience might imagine - governments, local authorities and the general public would do well to pause and imagine what it means to wear someone else's shoes or step on someone else's tire.