Accessibility Research Group
What is accessibility?
Accessibility is "the ease with which a person can reach and take part in, or use, an activity". However, the traditional transport modelling view of accessibility is defined as "the ease or difficulty of making trips to/from each zone" in a transport matrix.
The
two definitions are in fact conflated: if a trip to or from an activity
is inaccessible it should not be counted as a possible transport
solution according to the first definition. A design for a transport
system that is inaccessible cannot be sustainable as it excludes part of
the population from the potential benefits.
The design of the environment in which we live must be determined by the reduction of the carbon footprint, energy use and emissions and must satisfy the needs of present and future populations whilst achieving these reductions. We believe that accessibility must be framed by these constraints – accessibility that is unable to adapt to future needs or requires excessive use of non-renewable energy is not sufficient.
