Tactile paving

Tactile paving is a system of textured ground surface indicators found on footpaths, stairs and train station platforms to assist pedestrians who are visually impaired.

Tactile warnings provide a distinctive surface pattern of truncated domes, cones or bars detectable by long cane or underfoot which are used to alert people with visual impairments of their approach to streets and hazardous drop-offs. People with visual impairments are alerted of impending danger from vehicle impact or a grade change.

History

The original tactile paving was developed by Seiichi Miyake in 1965. The paving was first introduced in a street in Okayama city, Japan, in 1967. Its use gradually spread in Japan and then around the world.

Design

Tactile paving has two standard patterns: one with round bumps, known as "dot" or "stud" pattern, and one with elongated bumps, known as "lozenge", "bar" or "strip" pattern. The dot pattern signals "danger": the edge of a platform or a pedestrian crossing. The bar pattern signals "guidance": a safe path to follow.

Implementation

Tactile paving is implemented in public transportation areas such as rail stations and airports, as well as on the sidewalks and crosswalks of many cities.

Criticism

Critics argue that tactile paving is not standardized, and different countries use different patterns and colors, which can be confusing for visually impaired foreign visitors.

See also

• Accessibility
• Visually impaired
• Pedestrian crossing

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