When roads are built, planners do not build one road for new drivers and a separate road for experienced drivers. When creating sidewalks and bikeways, we cannot make them only accessible to experienced cyclist and agile pedestrians. 8-80 Cities has created a rule of thumb to help individuals when they are evaluating bicycling and pedestrian infastructure, we have dubbed it the 8/80 rule.

Step 1:

Think of a child that you love and care for who is approximately 8 years of age. This could be a child, grandchild, sister, brother, cousin etc.

Step 2:

Think of an adult, approximately 80 years of age who you love and care for. This could be a parent, grandparent, friend etc.

Step 3:

Ask yourself: Would you send that 8 year old along with the 80 year old on a walk, or a bike ride on that infrastructure? If you would, then it is safe enough, if you would not, then it is not safe enough.

This Rule may seem simple but it holds many implications. Interestingly, when you are forced to think of the ability of most cycling and pedestrian infastructure to safely serve all citizens, they often fail.