Delineation for cyclists and visually impaired pedestrians on segregated, shared routes

Visually impaired pedestrians have reported problems with detecting the tactile central delineator used to separate cyclists from pedestrians on shared, segregated routes. This was reported to be due in part to the new types of long cane now used by a growing number of visually impaired people. This research tested the profile at the prescribed minimum and maximum heights (12 and 20 mm) with the existing thermoplastic material and other materials together with five experimental profiles. The delineating strips were tested by visually impaired people, cyclists and other pedestrians. It was concluded that the existing profile can be detected when installed at a height of 20 mm especially when formed from block paviors or a material called 'imprint'. (A)