Tactile Paving
Tactile paving is a type of textured paving designed to assist individuals who are blind/low vision in navigating their surroundings. It consists of raised patterns or domes that can be felt with the feet or walking stick/cane, providing information such as indicating a crossing or the edge of a platform, and also the direction of which it is.
This video will explain the types of tactile pavings and how to measure them.
Tim mentions two types of Tactile Paving. Let’s look into that.
The first is Blister. Blister tactile paving provides a warning to someone, more so those who are blind/low vision, that they are approaching something dangerous, such as a road crossing, stairs, ramp or train platform. It is comprised of raised dome-shaped bumps, with the arrangement of these bumps indicating specific warnings.
See the images below.
The second type that Tim mentioned is Directional Tactile Paving. This surface indicates to blind/low vision people the intended path, change in direction, or important points of reference along the way. It helps individuals to maintain a sense of direction and follow designated routes.
You will note the raised, flat-topped bars or lines - these will run in the direction of pedestrian travel, which is why it is called directional paving.
Ok! Time to see how well you paid attention!