EVALUATION OF ATTRIBUTES OF THE ROAD INTERSECTIONS FOR THE ELDERLY PEDESTRIAN IN GENERAL OSÓRIO STREET, PELOTAS/RS

Abstract

With emphasis on the elderly individuals, the work approaches the theme walkability, with focus on the investigation of the physical characteristics of urban crossings. The case study is done on crossings located on the General Osório St., structuring street of the city of Pelotas/RS, after the process of road requalification. The methodology combines a test-walk, with evaluation of the physical elements of the crossings through qualitative, and quantitative criteria and interviews made with the elderly on the road’s intersections. The results synthesis presented through a matrix composed by attributes that demonstrate the existing conditions to the displacement and security of the user on the crossings with the perception of the walkers. The work contribution consists on the replication of the proposed methodological instrument, in light of favorable attributes to the promotion of the active mobility. It is evidenced the negligence of the public power with the quality of the crossings and, by consequence, it’s pointed the lack of adequate infrastructure to the walking practice, even after a process of requalification of the road and public investments.