Navigation for wheelchair users and an integrated micromobility information system
About this good practice
Everyone has the right to know what is accessible – unpredictability is a major barrier for those who want to live an active lifestyle with special needs. This innovative planner improves the quality of life of the local population in wheelchairs (meanwhile increasing their social perception) and supports the planning of city management tasks, resulting in urban development interventions based on real needs.
The app collects some data automatically (based on the built-in sensors for smartphones like GPS, acceleration and tilt meters, camera, etc.) about the pavement quality, the slopes, their width, bench heights and pavement barriers, but manual data entries are also possible to report problems and award accessibility certifications for service providers.
Using this app, the accessibility of cities can be measured and quantified, and thus their development in this direction can be focused on real data (e.g. determining optimal intervention points, analysing planned developments), therefore, cities can develop and maintain their sidewalk network efficiently.
Resources needed
Reinventing this is expensive but working with Route4U is possible: they offer contracts with fees typically below public procurement thresholds and promise quick implementation (results in a few months: an accessibility survey and a map display) without a need for municipal staff resources.
Evidence of success
This is the world's first navigation for wheelchair users and integrated micromobility information system – it has reached a user base of 3,000 people with disabilities very quickly in the trial city. Surveys have already been done in Budapest (in several districts) and Székesfehérvár in Hungary, Dublin and Swords in Ireland, Angers in France and Portsmouth in the United Kingdom.
Potential for learning or transfer
The development of accessibility strengthens the responsible, inclusive image of a city government, so this app can be an extremely positive message for the local population.
It is also a great catalyst for local economic growth. For example, barrier-free tourism is growing at around 30% a year: guests with reduced mobility are looking for destinations where information on the condition of the infrastructure is available – using the app, they can easily find this out and plan in advance.
The app is universal – it can be used by any partner, if interested.
Further information
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Good practice owner
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