the Inaccessibility Life conditions of Spaniards: More than half change their ways and 30% give up seeing family or friends for this reason, according to the TK Elevator report, which “demonstrates a social reflection that integrates institutional, artistic and citizen perspectives.”
Accessibility “ensures that the city works for everyone, allowing people to move and participate freely and independently; when there might not beEveryday life is at risk“, as stated in the report Challenges and opportunities for easy mobility in Spainprepared by TK Elevator, a leader in vertical mobility solutions. According to the study, 54.4% of citizens She admits to adjusting some of her usual ways to avoid her areas Access difficulties. Moreover, one in three Spaniards admits that they have stopped visiting family or friends. Because their buildings lack elevators Or introduce architectural barriers, and 43% avoid making purchases at organizations that suffer from these same limitations.
This data “indicates that accessibility The conditions under which people interact with their environment“, highlighted sources from TK Elevator, who stated that “this decisive factor is that 40.5% of those surveyed claim that they chose their place of residence or work based on the availability of systems that ensure accessibility. “Half of the population even takes this aspect into consideration when choosing a travel destination.”
According to this company that specializes in the design, manufacture, installation and maintenance of elevators and escalators, traditionally “accessibility has been seen as a challenge that only affects certain groups, such as the elderly or people with limited mobility.”
However, the report reveals that “a high proportion of young people also identify with themselves Inaccessible places as an obstacle“38% of 35-49 year olds “detect mobility barriers” in the buildings they frequent, and 36% of 18 to 34 year olds share this perception. Meeting this accessibility standard thus becomes “In increasing demand Among those who are in their most active life stage, whose routines (pushing a stroller, lifting a bike, carrying a bag) also require environments that adapt to their pace of life.
More inclusive communities
“Mobility equipment plays an essential role in the functioning of cities and buildings. Elevators, escalators and moving walkways facilitate the movement of all people, Removing architectural barriers And promote a A more inclusive society. Its integration into the urban environment allows all citizens to fully participate in the social, working and cultural life of the city,” said Pedro Martin, CEO of TK Elevator for the Southern Region of Europe and Africa.
Accessibility not only ensures inclusion, it also generates value. According to the study, “One in three participants believe that the presence of mobility systems increases… Economic value The impact is even more pronounced among those who have renovated their buildings to make them more accessible: “62% consider these improvements to have raised the value of their property and the value of the neighborhood.”
However, the study reveals that its impact goes beyond the economic aspect. Among those who promoted improved accessibility, “46% claim to have done so Gained autonomy And 40% highlight better coexistence between neighborhoods.” “Therefore, accessibility should not be understood as an expense, but as an investment that multiplies well-being, cohesion and urban value,” added TK Elevator.
On a regional basis, the report map reveals that the highest rates of implementation of accessibility improvements in neighboring communities are recorded in the Basque Country (28.7%), Madrid (28.4%), Castilla y León (25%), and Catalonia (24.2%).
Greater need for information
The report highlights a strong social consensus: 88% of citizens think so Accessibility must be ensured in all buildingspublic and private. However, this perception is belied by a “significant information gap”: only 18.5% of the population knows that there is public assistance to support this type of work, and of those who have carried it out, only 9.4% claim to have received such funds.
“For promotion Modernization of buildings To further reduce architectural barriers in Spanish cities, it is necessary to continue advancing active public policies, as well as strengthening communication about the resources already available and Benefits of investing in accessibility. In this sense, cooperation between departments and the private sector is fundamental to promoting an inclusive, sustainable and people-centred mobility model. The social demand for accessible mobility is clear. “Organisations, businesses and departments must work together to deliver effective, agile and committed solutions, breaking down barriers that prevent progress towards truly inclusive environments,” added Martin.
The first diagnosis for easy mobility
The promoter explained that “Challenges and Opportunities for Accessible Mobility in Spain” is “the first national report dedicated to the analysis of accessibility and urban mobility,” noting that it was prepared based on “a survey conducted with more than 3,400 people and interviews with specialists from 12 entities: Fundación ONCE, Metro de Bilbao, Metro de Madrid, Ferrocarrils de la Generalitat Valenciana, Servimedia, Escuela Técnica Superior de Arquitectura.” de Barcelona, MASR Estudio de Arquitectura, Directorate General for the Construction of the State Urban Planning Area of the City Council of Madrid, Savills, College of Property Managers of Madrid, Council of the Regional Colleges of Property Managers of Catalonia and the Ministry of Environment and Mobility of the Community of Madrid.
The report is submittedComplete x-ray of the impact of architectural barriers They have in everyday life, the economy, and social cohesion. Its purpose is to serve as a reference point for public debate and joint action of citizens, departments and companies. “We want this report to serve as a meeting space and for accessible mobility to become a label that represents equal opportunities for people, but also the competitiveness and future of our cities. To achieve this, it is necessary to definitively change the mindset and vision of the future, apply integrative policies and strengthen urban investment. Accessibility is not just inclusion: it is also urban progress and dynamism,” the TK Elevator Director concluded.