Introduction: Heritage contexts present unique challenges (e.g., cobblestone streets) that can reduce opportunities for people with disabilities to participate in valued occupations in the community. While solutions such as shared streets have been implemented in several countries, they may limit participation for blind people as they lose their references to circulate.
Objective: To develop guidelines, for shared streets design providing equitable access and participation, along with a sense of safety, for all.
Methods: A scoping review was done in scientific and grey literature, including regulations on Heritage buildings and share streets. In addition, a co-design methodology was implemented, and three separate group sessions were conducted with participants with disabilities; caregivers; and experts in accessibility and heritage. The walking interview and codesign sessions were recorded and transcribed for content analysis. Once completed and analyzed a new version of shared streets was developed.
Results: Shared streets involve the loss of landmarks and the loss of the feeling of security of being able to walk on the sidewalks for blind people. Installing specific lanes and paths dedicated to each type of road user, will solve the problem of safety but will increase the risk of cars not slowing down. A “Lego-concept” of different pieces of urban furniture was developed to separate each path and to be able to adapt to the variety of widths of heritage streets.
Conclusion: Solutions to make the shared street a safe and an accessible area for everyone will be presented at the WFOT 2026 conference.