The Ministry of Communities and Territories Development of Ukraine has approved Methodological Recommendations for the arrangement of barrier-free routes in settlements. The relevant order No. 970 was adopted on June 9.
The guidelines will help standardize the creation of a comfortable, safe and accessible environment for people with limited mobility. This is a comprehensive document that allows communities to properly design barrier-free routes and implement them using uniform approaches. It is not about individual ramps or safe crossings, but about an integrated approach, a complete logic of space, where the focus is on the person.
The document structures the approach to creating barrier-free routes in three logical stages:
- Theoretical substantiation - defining concepts, approaches, and types of routes with a clear list of objects to be included.
- Development of the route project proposal - including the selection of a site, analysis of objects on it, and priorities for improvement.
- Implementation of the route - including infrastructure solutions and types of work.
It is separately noted that a route is considered barrier-free if all pedestrian paths and at least 75% of the objects on such paths are barrier-free.
For more information on the Guidelines, please follow the link.
According to the recommendations, a barrier-free route
- has a defined beginning and end;
- connects residential buildings with key facilities such as hospitals, ASCs, employment centers and other places where services are provided;
- consists of elements of the road transport network, bus stops and buildings;
- does not contain barriers to the movement of people with limited mobility;
- is provided with accessible public transportation;
- has clear information, visual and tactile navigation.
The recommendations stipulate that the formation of the route should be based on monitoring the needs of low-mobility groups, whose share in communities ranges from 20% to 40% of the population.
The issue of priority objects on the routes has also been settled. These include healthcare, education and trade facilities, ASCs, social protection institutions, and civil defense facilities.
The guidelines are also aimed at unifying approaches in communities and ensuring the sustainability of the Movement Without Barriers project, which has already been launched in 15 pilot communities. They also create the basis for further scaling up barrier-free solutions in the country.
The implementation of the guidelines is expected to significantly improve the quality of the urban environment. Citizens will be provided with equal access to infrastructure, which will facilitate the integration of people with limited mobility and create comfortable conditions for all residents without exception.
We remind you that the implementation of barrier-free routes is planned by 2030. The first stage of arrangement is scheduled for 2025.