Sidewalk potential trip points: A method for characterizing walkways

Most outdoor and many indoor walking environments present abrupt elevation changes of 1.25 cm (0.5 in) or more. Such bumps can disrupt walking as well as travel on small wheels (e.g., skates or skateboards), yet serious accidents from tripping are reasonably infrequent given how much walking is done. Data are presented from walkway profile surveys and factors affecting human ambulatory behavior. Relevance to industry Falls on the same level produce a substantial portion of workplace injuries. Improved understanding of the role of perception and expectation in such falls can lead to improved strategies for preventing injuries.