Types of Pedestrian Crossings, their Usages, Selection & Siting Criteria

There are different types of pedestrian crossings, whose selection involves several factors for ensuring safety of both pedestrians and motorists.

A summary of different options for pedestrian crossings, their usages and selection criteria is given below:

Uncontrolled Crossings:

• Zebra Crossing: Characterised by alternating black and white stripes on the road and flashing amber beacons. Vehicles are required to give way to pedestrians on the crossing.

Their usage and selection criteria are defined below:

1. Pedestrian Volume: Moderate volume.
2. Traffic Volume: Suitable for roads with moderate traffic.
3. Visibility: Good sight lines for both drivers and pedestrians.
4. Speed: Generally, for lower speed areas.

• Refuge Islands: These are raised sections in the middle of the road where pedestrians can stop safely before continuing to cross the second half of the road. Useful on wider roads or where traffic speeds are higher.

Signal-Controlled Crossings:

• Pelican Crossings: Pedestrian-activated traffic lights. When a pedestrian presses the button, the traffic lights change after a set period, allowing them to cross safely.

Their usage and selection criteria are defined below:

1. Pedestrian Volume: High volume.
2. Traffic Volume: Suitable for busy roads.
3. Safety: Provides a clear stop command to drivers.

• Puffin Crossings: Similar to Pelican but uses sensors to detect pedestrians waiting to cross. The lights change more responsively, and the crossing can detect if pedestrians are still on the road, holding the red light for traffic as necessary.

Their usage and selection criteria are defined below:

1. Pedestrian Safety: Uses sensors to detect the presence of pedestrians, making it safer.
2. Traffic Flow: More efficient as it adjusts the red-light duration based on pedestrian presence.

• Toucan Crossings: These are designed for both pedestrians and cyclists to use simultaneously.

Their usage and selection criteria are defined below:

1. Pedestrian and Cyclist Volume: Suitable where both pedestrians and cyclists need to cross.
2. Integration: Often placed near cycle paths or routes.

Grade-Separated Crossings:

• Footbridges: Elevated structures that allow pedestrians to cross over the road without interfering with vehicular traffic.

Their usage and selection criteria are defined below:

1. Safety: Removes pedestrian interaction with road traffic.
2. Location: Suitable for very busy roads or highways.
3. Terrain: Requires consideration of land elevation on either side of the road.

• Subways/Underpasses: Tunnels that allow pedestrians to cross beneath the road.

Their usage and selection criteria are defined below:

1. Safety: Separates pedestrians from road traffic.
2. Drainage: Requires good drainage to prevent flooding.
3. Security: May need monitoring or patrols for safety, especially at night.

Raised Crossings: These are crosswalks raised to the level of the sidewalk. They act as a speed bump for vehicles, slowing them down, and provide a level crossing point for pedestrians.

Their usages and selection criteria are defined below:

1. Traffic Calming: Ideal for areas where traffic speeds need to be reduced.
2. Visibility: Elevates pedestrians, making them more visible.
3. Integration: Often placed near schools, shopping areas, or parks.

Informal Crossings: Places where pedestrians often cross but there’s no formal infrastructure. Over time, these may be upgraded to formal crossings if the demand is deemed high enough.

Their usage and selection criteria are defined below:

1. Natural Paths: Where people frequently cross the road.
2. Low Traffic: Generally found on quieter streets.

Roundabouts with Pedestrian Crossings: In some places, especially where bus routes intersect with other roads, roundabouts may incorporate pedestrian crossings, typically zebra or signal-controlled crossings.

Their usage and selection criteria are defined below:

1. Integration: Where bus routes or major roads intersect.
2. Safety: Provides a controlled environment for pedestrians to cross.

Shared Spaces: Areas where pedestrians, cyclists, and vehicular traffic share the same space. They rely on all users navigating the space courteously and are typically found in low-speed environments.

Their usage and selection criteria are defined below:

1. Low Traffic Speeds: Typically, in areas with speed limits of 20 mph or lower.
2. High Pedestrian Volume: Suitable for busy pedestrian areas where vehicular traffic is secondary, like in shopping districts.

Speed Tables: These are extended speed bumps that span the width of the road and include a flat section in the middle, which can double as a pedestrian crossing.

Their usage and selection criteria are defined below:

1. Traffic Calming: Ideal for areas where a reduction in traffic speed is desired.
2. Visibility: Raises the crossing point, making pedestrians more visible.

Criteria for Siting of Pedestrian Crossing

Proper siting of pedestrian crossings is critical for ensuring the safety of pedestrians and other road users. When determining the location for pedestrian crossings following factors should be considered: 

• Safety: The primary concern is safety. Crossings should be sited at locations with clear sight lines for both pedestrians and approaching vehicles.
• Accident History: Locations with high accident rates might be prioritised for improved pedestrian crossings.
• Demand: Crossings should be placed where there is a high demand for pedestrian movement, like near bus stops, schools, shopping centres, parks, or other public facilities.
• Spacing: Depending on the area’s pedestrian density and the type of road, crossings may need to be spaced at regular intervals to provide safe access across the street without encouraging jaywalking.
• Proximity to Bus Stops: Ideally, crossings should be near bus stops so that passengers can safely cross the street before or after boarding/alighting the bus.
• Intersection Location: It’s typically safer to site pedestrian crossings at intersections with traffic signals or other traffic-calming measures. However, mid-block crossings can be considered if there’s significant demand and appropriate safety measures are implemented.
• Road Characteristics: The width of the road, number of lanes, traffic speeds, and vehicle volumes can dictate the type of crossing needed (e.g., signalized, zebra, or pedestrian refuge islands).
• Visibility: Adequate lighting and clear visibility are essential, especially during night-time or adverse weather conditions.
• Traffic Flow: The impact on traffic flow should be considered. For instance, if buses frequently have to stop due to pedestrian crossings, it could cause delays.
• Pedestrian Behaviour: Observations of where people naturally want to cross can guide placement. If people frequently cross at a particular location (desire path), it might indicate a need for a formal crossing there.
• Maintenance and Infrastructure Costs: The cost of implementing and maintaining the crossing, including signage, lights, and road markings, should be factored into the decision-making process.
• Consultation with Stakeholders: Input from local communities, transportation agencies, schools, businesses, and other stakeholders can provide valuable insights into the best locations for pedestrian crossings.

Local traffic authorities usually follow established guidelines when deciding on crossing locations and types, but the specifics might vary depending on the region or country.