Introduction. Safe and inclusive urban infrastructure is a key element of sustainable urban development. Pedestrian crossings play an important role in ensuring safe and comfortable traffic conditions and access to important facilities. Their condition, location, and design have a direct impact on safety and comfort of movement.
Problem statement. Pedestrian crossings are critical points in the street and road network where there is the greatest risk of collisions between vehicles and pedestrians. They pose a particular danger to children, the elderly, people with disabilities, and other groups with limited mobility. Despite regulatory requirements, pedestrian crossings in many Ukrainian cities still do not meet safety and accessibility standards.
Purpose. The purpose of the study is to analyze existing pedestrian crossings on the streets of Kyiv in terms of safety (presence of road signs, markings, traffic lights, pedestrian barriers, etc.), inclusiveness (accessibility for people with disabilities, elderly people), and compliance with regulatory requirements. Developing recommendations for improving safe and unobstructed traffic conditions on the existing streets under study.
Мaterials and methods. Analysis of regulatory documents on road safety and pedestrian crossing design. Field observations at sites in urban environments.
Results. The article presents the results of a study on existing pedestrian crossings from the point of view of safe, comfortable, and unobstructed movement for people with limited mobility. Compliance with current regulatory documents. The results of the study revealed the main shortcomings in the organization of pedestrian traffic in the urban environment and recommendations were made for improving road infrastructure.
Conclusions. A safety audit of 445 sites in Kyiv revealed systemic non-compliance of pedestrian infrastructure with safety and inclusivity standards: 48 % of crossings have critically worn markings, and 84.3% of locations lack specialized lighting. Despite the formal presence of barrier-free elements, one in five curb ramps does not meet the standards of DBN V.2.2-40:2018 1, and the level of sensory accessibility (tactile tiles, audible signals) does not exceed 35 %. It has been established that the existing approach and the disregard for the needs of people with reduced mobility (who make up 50% of the population) create barriers to safe movement, which in conditions of martial law becomes a critical challenge for social equality and city safety.
