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 resource
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.
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
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