Inclusive Design â What does it mean for cycling?
Inclusive Design – What does it mean for cycling? How approaches to design have often excluded disabled cyclists CIHT - LCC Policy Forum, Westminster University, 06/05/2015
My perspective is based on: - Being a short-distance, commuter, fairweather handcyclist - I discovered cycling, ie: handcycling, in parks & greenways 15 years ago, then onroads 3 years ago - Director of Wheels for Wellbeing: the voice of disabled cyclists in London - Over the past 2 years, learning fast re: cycle design and its terminology! - 30 years of driving (but taking very little specific notice of cycling infrastructure until recently)
Assumptions behind design approaches: Cyclists are a very special breed!
- All cyclists can levitate! - All cyclists can walk their cycles - All cyclists can carry their cycles/dependents/trailer/ shopping/tools - All cyclists can lift their cycles - All cyclists can stand on their pedals - All cyclists have 2 legs and 2 arms/hands in full working order - All cyclists ride on 2 wheels
These assumptions have influenced design: • Cycle paths/lanes widths • Segregation methods • Cyclists dismounts/no cycling areas • No cut cubs at road closures • Cycle parking design & location • Traffic control measures (barrier designs, gap widths, speed control measures)
There is no such thing as “I can’t cycle” But there is such a thing as • I can’t get through • there is no safe way to secure my cycle at home / at my destination • I can’t get over this stepped bridge • I can’t safely stop and start in traffic (ASLs are not always the answer) • I am being stopped from using my mobility aid on public transport/on pavements
We must start designing Beyond the superfit
cyclist and Beyond The Bicycle!
My perspective is based on: - Being a short-distance, commuter, fairweather handcyclist - I discovered cycling, ie: handcycling, in parks & greenways 15 years ago, then onroads 3 years ago - Director of Wheels for Wellbeing: the voice of disabled cyclists in London - Over the past 2 years, learning fast re: cycle design and its terminology! - 30 years of driving (but taking very little specific notice of cycling infrastructure until recently)
Assumptions behind design approaches: Cyclists are a very special breed!
- All cyclists can levitate! - All cyclists can walk their cycles - All cyclists can carry their cycles/dependents/trailer/ shopping/tools - All cyclists can lift their cycles - All cyclists can stand on their pedals - All cyclists have 2 legs and 2 arms/hands in full working order - All cyclists ride on 2 wheels
These assumptions have influenced design: • Cycle paths/lanes widths • Segregation methods • Cyclists dismounts/no cycling areas • No cut cubs at road closures • Cycle parking design & location • Traffic control measures (barrier designs, gap widths, speed control measures)
There is no such thing as “I can’t cycle” But there is such a thing as • I can’t get through • there is no safe way to secure my cycle at home / at my destination • I can’t get over this stepped bridge • I can’t safely stop and start in traffic (ASLs are not always the answer) • I am being stopped from using my mobility aid on public transport/on pavements
We must start designing Beyond the superfit
cyclist and Beyond The Bicycle!
