What’s the meaning of the lines and little bulges on the sidewalk? We walk beside them daily, but just a few knows why are these signs are there.

Baráthegyi Guide Dog School finds it important to bring this topic into focus so Darinka Farkas (guide dog trainer) made some short interview in the M4 subway. We have asked some passersby in the subway what they know about these textured paving elements and how they help visually impaired pedestrians.

Unfortunately, I don’t know exactly what does it mean, maybe it shows how far are the columns and turnouts…

From this and similar answers we found out many people have seen these tactile tiles but they only partly knows the aim of them. Some people know that these helps the visually impaired pedestrians, others just suspect it’s function, and there were some people who have never thought about why are these special patterns are on the pavement.
However, the tactile surface indicators gives important information. These lined zones help to follow the safe path and the dotted surface warns to something like a junction, danger or an important decision point. A visually impaired pedestrian perceives these signs with his white cane.

Maybe we don’t even know on what we’re standing…

During the shooting we noticed something weird. While we were asking the passersby about the role of these tactile signs it happened many times they exactly standing on these while talking or waiting. This means a lot of people aren’t fully awared of how important are these paving elements for visually impaired pedestrians. 

Our visually impaired client, Roland Orbán also draw attention to this problem and emphasized how much his guide dog means to him while he is getting around. 

If I only used a white cane without my guide dog, I’d probably knock quite a few people over.

Although, the tactile zones also helps passersby with guide dogs, but with a dog it’s much easier. The dog can avoid people, obstacles and recognize dangerous situations. However, for those who use only white canes usually these zones and signs are the most important orientation points.

The well-formed, accessible environment, the suitable pavement signs, the qualified guide dog and seeing people’s attention together make it possible for visually impaired people to getting around independently.

About the answers we heard at the streets we found out most people are open-minded to learn more about visually impaired people. We think it’s almost impossible somebody is standing on the signed zone on purpose or blocks a sign with a bicycle or scooter, they’re simply isn’t aware of the importance of these.

That’s why attitude formation is really important. As more and more people are informed about the meaning of the tactile signs, so turn our streets safer for visually impaired people. A tiny attention – like leave the tactile zone free – is a great help for somebody who has to getting around without visual ability.

Because something what is just some bulges on the sidewalk for somebody, means a safe path, independency and more freedom for others.

You can watch the video about this topic here. (It’s a pity, but we can understand why don’t want to talk in public those who don’t know the right answer, but what is more important, now they know it.)

Accessible environment is very important to us, so we’ll soon have another article about it.