Variations in human capabilities and states means that every person has a unique combination of strengths and weaknesses, and their ability to navigate as a pedestrian can vary from moment to moment, as well as over their lifespan.
The personas here reflect the broad range of capabilities and momentary states that affect how people live their life, including as pedestrians. They were developed through conversations with a broad range of people. Any resemblance to individuals is purely coincidental.
Throughout this guidance, quotes from these personas illustrate the importance of good pedestrian network design to enable all people to walk for transport and recreation.
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Meet Wendy. Wendy has a degenerative condition that makes it difficult for her to move independently. She has used a wheelchair for the last decade. Wendy is in her 40s. She experiences chronic pain and cannot drive. Using a powered wheelchair is liberating for Wendy as it means she can get out and about. Wendy has a low income and navigating busy urban streets can be risky because steep crossings and uneven surfaces aggravate her pain.
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Meet 23 year old Layla and her guide dog Scout. Layla has low vision and relies on her guide dog or white cane to travel independently. Layla lives with her grandmother. Her family takes her places that are not within safe, accessible walking distance. Disruptions to her usual routes, for example because of temporary works, can confuse Layla unless there are friendly workers to help her navigate safely through or around them.
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Meet Aisha, she is in her late 70s, deaf, has a low income and does not drive. She relies on public transport to get to work and social activities. Aisha is particularly wary of being out alone and does not like to travel at night. Because she cannot hear traffic or bicycles, road crossings, shared streets and shared paths cause her to be on high alert.
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Meet 23 year old Josh, he is a person with autism and is physically fit. Josh walks, cycles and uses public transport to get around his community but sometimes he gets confused during busy times. If he gets confused he sometimes experiences extreme anxiety and finds it difficult to ask for help. Josh has a low income and often walks long distances rather than paying for transport.
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Meet Tom, he is a non-disabled 10 year old boy. Tom wants more independence, but his parents are concerned that their neighbourhood is not safe enough for him to walk to school or friends' houses by himself. Tom likes to walk or ride his manual scooter with his friends around the neighbourhood and enjoys off-road paths through parks and gullies.
