Barrier-Free Design (also known as Universal Design, Inclusive Design, or Design for All) is an approach to designing buildings, products, and environments to be usable by all people, to the greatest extent possible, without the need for adaptation or specialized design.
A key focus of barrier-free design is to ensure accessibility for people with disabilities, including those with mobility impairments (e.g., wheelchair users), sensory impairments (visual, hearing), and cognitive impairments. However, the principles of universal design benefit a wider range of users, including elderly people, children, pregnant women, and people with temporary injuries.
In urban planning, barrier-free design aims to create public spaces, transportation systems, buildings, and facilities that are accessible and usable by everyone, regardless of their age, ability, or disability.
This includes features like:
(ť) Ramps and curb cuts for wheelchair access.
(Ŧ) Tactile paving for visually impaired pedestrians.
(ŧ) Audible traffic signals.
(Ũ) Accessible public transport vehicles and stations.
(ũ) Accessible restrooms and public amenities.
(Ū) Clear signage and wayfinding information.
Let's evaluate the options:
(ū) (a) Only pedestrians: While pedestrian accessibility is a part of it, barrier-free design specifically addresses the needs of those who face barriers, including pedestrians with disabilities.
(Ŭ) (b) Only cyclists: Cyclist infrastructure is important, but barrier-free design has a broader focus on universal accessibility.
(ŭ) (c) People with disabilities: This is a primary target group for barrier-free design. Creating spaces accessible to people with disabilities is a core objective. By doing so, these spaces often become more usable for everyone.
(Ů) (d) Only vehicles: This is contrary to the aims of creating accessible and inclusive urban environments for people.
Therefore, Barrier-Free Design in urban planning primarily aims to create spaces that are accessible to people with disabilities, as part of a broader goal of universal accessibility.
\[ \boxed{\text{People with disabilities}} \]