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Department of Transport and Main Roads

Pedestrian characteristics

Definition of a pedestrian

The term ‘pedestrian’ includes:

  • people on foot
  • people with a disability
  • people in or on wheeled recreational devices (WRDs)
  • people using personal mobility devices (PMDs)
  • People using motorised mobility devices (MMDs).

TMR endorsed guidance

Other useful resources

People with additional mobility considerations

Design should cater for all people who walk, including:

  • older people
  • children
  • people with a disability.

You can find more information in the Universal Access section of this resources guide.

Designing footpaths for everyone

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TMR endorsed guidance

Other useful resources

Walking distance and speed

Walking speed depends on age and ability, as well as the purpose and length of the trip. It is influenced by pavement quality and topography, and the size, altitude, and climate of a location.

Walking speeds range from 0.3 m/s–1.75 m/s or 1 km/h–6 km/h.

TMR endorsed guidance

Other useful resources

Pedestrian operating space

Operational widths are:

  • pedestrian with ambulant disability (1.0m)
  • pedestrian in wheelchair (1.2m)
  • pedestrian in wheelchair passing pram (1.5m)
  • two pedestrians in wheelchairs passing (1.8m)
  • pedestrian and bike rider passing (2.0m).

TMR endorsed guidance

RPDM Edition 2: Volume 3, Supplement to Austroads Guide to Road Design Part 6A: Paths for Walking and Cycling, Section 3 Path User Considerations (Department of Transport and Main Roads, 2020)

Other useful resources

Last updated 6 September 2023