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Sydney Sidewalks Pose Danger to Visually Impaired
16 Oct
Summary
- Tactile indicators on Sydney sidewalks are angled incorrectly.
- Misaligned devices can direct visually impaired pedestrians into traffic.
- City council directed staff to report on the costly problem.
Tactile attention indicators on Sydney, Nova Scotia sidewalks are reportedly making street crossings more dangerous for visually impaired individuals. Louise Gillis, a longtime advocate and past president of the Canadian Council of the Blind, has raised concerns that the angled metal plates with raised bumps are misaligned with crosswalks. This misalignment could inadvertently direct pedestrians into active traffic lanes, posing a significant safety risk.
Gillis, who is legally blind, explained that while she can navigate using her guide dog, the indicators' incorrect positioning is problematic for many. The issue was discussed by the Cape Breton Regional Municipality's accessibility advisory committee and subsequently brought to the CBRM council. Staff have been directed to prepare a report detailing the potential costs and scope of the problem, including differentiating between attention and direction indicators.
Public works director John Phalen acknowledged that some installations were improper, while others are complicated by the age and misalignment of the existing infrastructure. The municipality is aware of several misaligned indicators and has begun replacing the most severe cases while a permanent solution is developed.
