The safest and most effective pedestrian crosswalk designs within a community typically combine visibility, accessibility, and traffic calming measures. Here are key elements that constitute the best designs:
- High-Visibility Markings: Use bright, durable paint for crosswalk lines to ensure they are clearly visible to drivers. Zebra-stripes or ladder patterns are effective as they provide higher visibility than single white lines.
- Elevated Crosswalks: Raised crosswalks serve as speed bumps, encouraging drivers to slow down. They also enhance the visibility of pedestrians. Maintain the same elevation as the connected sidewalks.
- Adequate Lighting: Proper lighting is crucial for crosswalk safety, especially at night. Ensure that crosswalk areas are well-lit so that pedestrians are visible to drivers.
- Advanced Stop Lines: Placing stop lines a few meters back from the crosswalk can increase the visibility of pedestrians to drivers.
- Pedestrian Refuge Islands: For wider streets, a pedestrian refuge island in the middle of the crosswalk allows pedestrians to safely cross one direction of traffic at a time.
- Curb Extensions: Also known as bulb-outs, these extend the sidewalk or curb at intersections, reducing the crossing distance and making pedestrians more visible to drivers.
- Audible Signals and Tactile Paving: For visually impaired pedestrians, include audible signals and tactile paving at crosswalks. Crosswalks should be visually different from sidewalks.
- Flashing Beacons or Pedestrian-Activated Signals: Where applicable, use flashing beacons or pedestrian-activated signals to alert drivers when someone is crossing.
- Appropriate Signage: Post clear signs indicating the presence of a pedestrian crossing. In some cases, additional warnings prior to the crosswalk can be beneficial.
- Roadway Narrowing: Narrowing the roads at pedestrian crossing points naturally slows down vehicle traffic.
Combining these elements will create pedestrian crosswalks that are safe, user-friendly, and effective in our community.
