ABSTRACT
Access and mobility conditions for wheelchair users in Kamakura, a historic city west of Tokyo, and user-oriented road signs in Yokohama were studied. The study aimed at developing proactive roadmaps for developing universal mobility design in urban environment. For securing mobility for wheelchair users and aged visitors, action checklists listing three criteria were applied to major tourist routes and shops: accessibility for wheelchairs, easy-to-understand signs and multi-purpose toilets. The results were compared with the questionnaire replies of visitors interviewed. This led to some improvements as to height differences, road signs and toilets. Similarly, road signs in complex crossings and intersections were assessed to improve designs of route signs. These results indicate the need for taking participatory steps applying universal design principles in improving mobility along tourist routes for wheelchair users and at complex crossings and intersections.
