The SafeStep for Seniors project aims to identify poor sidewalks and road infrastructure in the West End while working with community members and planners to remove unsafe infrastructure. SafeStep for Seniors will adopt the Stakeholder’s Walkability/Wheelability Audit in Neighbourhood (SWAN) tool developed by Simon Fraser University to assess the neighbourhood’s built environment systematically. The project will address the urgent need for safer mobility for seniors and those with diverse disabilities and provide a model for community engagement and participatory solutions.
The ”SafeStep for Seniors” project focuses on addressing safety challenges experienced by Canadians with disabilities, particularly those aged 65 and older. As of 2017, approximately 2.6 million Canadians (9.6% of the population) faced mobility restrictions, underscoring the need for improved access and inclusion (Government of Canada, 2022). This challenge is especially significant in British Columbia, where the senior population comprised 19% of residents in 2020 and is projected to reach 25% by 2041. For many older adults, walking is one of the primary modes of transportation, as more than half of seniors over 85 do not hold a valid driver’s license (Office of the Seniors Advocate British Columbia, 2018).
The West End neighborhood presents specific mobility challenges, with 37% of its residents experiencing limitations in daily activities, a higher proportion than the city average. This issue is especially pronounced among seniors, making it critical to create environments that cater to their mobility needs.
SafeStep for Seniors employs the SWAN tool to systematically assess walkability and mobility within the neighborhood. Initial assessments have identified problematic intersections and inadequate sidewalk infrastructure, where improvements are needed to ensure safety for pedestrians. Data gathered through this process will help inform future planning and infrastructure enhancements.
The project aligns with Vision Zero principles by addressing the safety needs of older adults and people with disabilities in the West End. Anecdotal reports from seniors highlight ongoing concerns regarding inadequate sidewalks and unsafe intersections. SafeStep for Seniors seeks to address these concerns through systematic audits and community engagement.
In collaboration with the City of Vancouver’s “Active Mobility Plan” and “Curb Ramp Priorities 2023-2027,” the project focuses on improving pedestrian infrastructure. Curb ramps are a key area of focus, ensuring accessibility for those using wheelchairs, strollers, or mobility aids. These efforts reflect the broader goals of Vancouver’s plans to create an inclusive, walkable community.
SafeStep for Seniors has completed half of its data collection sessions, with senior participants and community volunteers conducting walkability audits throughout the West End. These audits have helped identify several key intersections that pose safety risks, and comprehensive documentation of the findings is currently in preparation.
Further audit sessions are planned, with data analysis and the development of actionable recommendations to follow. The project aims to present these findings to city planners to drive the implementation of targeted infrastructure improvements in the West End.
In conclusion the SafeStep for Seniors project is dedicated to creating a safer, more accessible environment for all residents of the West End, particularly older adults and individuals with disabilities. By incorporating direct input from the community and aligning with the City of Vancouver’s mobility and accessibility strategies, the project addresses critical needs outlined in the West End Social Indicator Profile. As the project progresses, SafeStep for Seniors will offer data-driven recommendations to enhance walkability and pedestrian safety, ensuring that the West End’s streets and sidewalks support safe, independent mobility for everyone, regardless of age or ability.
