Evaluation of Accessibility of Road Traffic Sidewalks Using the Codes for Accessibility Design in the Mega-city: a Case of Shanghai / 中国康复理论与实践

ABSTRACT

Objective:To evaluate the accessibility construction status of road traffic sidewalks in Shanghai. Methods:From July to September, 2019, 46 road traffic sidewalks in Shanghai were selected using a convenience sampling, and evaluation tools were designed based on the Codes for Accessibility Design (GB 50763-2012) and Standards for Design on Accessibility of Buildings and Facilities (DGJ08-103-2003). After field check and experience for the sidewalks, the compliance rates of evaluation dimensions and evaluation contents of sidewalks were analyzed using the descriptive analysis. The weights of each dimension were calculated using the principal component analysis to construct the sidewalk comprehensive barrier score model, and to compare the sidewalk comprehensive barrier scores in different areas of Shanghai. From September to November 2019, in-depth interviews were conducted with eleven persons with disabilities to understand the sidewalk barriers for them. Results:The overall compliance rate of sidewalk accessibility was 4.35%. Among the evaluated contents, 93.5% sidewalks had a curb ramp, 91.3% had a height difference between the ramp and the carriageway, 26.1% were not paved with tactile ground surface indicators; 71.7% tactile ground surface indicators were blocked by poles, etc., and 84.8% were occupied by obstacles. The warning indicator was the greatest weight among the evaluated dimensions. The barrier of sidewalks was high (36.7%) and medium (20.0%) in the central area, which was higher than that in the sub-central area (both 6.3%) (P < 0.05). There were many obstacles during the experience of sidewalks using, resulting in less using of the barrier-free facilities. Conclusion:Most of the sidewalks in Shanghai do not meet the standards of the Codes for Accessibility Design. It is urgent to construct and maintain the barrier-free facilities.