Improving the Mobility and Road Safety of Elderly People

Abstract

The population of the Netherlands is gradually ageing; a growing number of people are reaching the age of 65. Problems arise for elderly pedestrians around shopping centres, markets and public transport facilities, especially if there is a complex and/or confusing situation, or if motor traffic is going (too) fast. In Amsterdam a connection has been found to exist between the location of shops and traffic risks of elderly people. Proposed measures are of three kinds: information campaigns, educational activities such as courses for elderly people, and police control (enforcement of speed limits and compliance with traffic signals, and alcohol checks).