Press Release

Designing Downtown for an Aging Population

Cities of all sizes are working to ensure that their streets are safe and walkable for all citizens.

(Boonton, NJ, October 17, 2011) — Baby boomers, those born between 1946 and 1964, are one of the fastest growing demographics to seek a more walkable urban lifestyle.

As this largest segment of the population ages, pedestrian-friendly downtowns become increasingly important.

New York City, Concord, NH, and Kirksville, MO, are just three of the cities working to ensure that their streets are accessible to all. Some of the guidelines developed by New York City as part of its Safe Routes for Seniors campaign provide insights for all communities:

• Streets should be as flat as possible, with minimal convexity for drainage and a smooth transition from the curb to the street.
• Larger streets should have wide median refuge areas with benches.
• All bus stops near senior centers should have shelters and benches. Bus stops on excessively wide streets should have bus bulbs.
• Drivers should be prohibited from turning during the first 10 seconds of a traffic signal phase. This time is needed by seniors to descend the curb and begin a safe crossing unobstructed by turning vehicles.
• On busy commercial streets and bus routes, all curbs should be extended into the crosswalk to create better sightlines for pedestrians and drivers.

Additional guidelines and details on these city\'s programs are in the October issue of Downtown Idea Exchange newsletter.

###

About the Downtown Research & Development Center

For over 50 years, the Downtown Research & Development Center has acted as the information clearinghouse on practical strategies and tactics for revitalizing the hearts of our cities and towns.

The Group\'s main activities include publishing the widely influential Downtown Idea Exchange and Downtown Promotion Reporter newsletters; publishing relevant books and reports; and operating the DowntownDevelopment.com website.

Website: http://www.DowntownDevelopment.com