Pedestrian crossings represent a key point of interaction between vulnerable road users – pedestrians – and motor vehicles. Therefore, their proper planning, design and equipment have a significant impact on traffic safety, but also on the quality of daily movement through the city. In recent decades, cities have been developing new transit models that not only increase safety, but also improve the urban experience.
Best practices for safe crossings
The basic practice for a safe crossing is to direct pedestrian flows to the places where the crossing is most logical. Thus, crossing becomes a natural part of people’s movement. Correct positioning of crossings can prevent illegal and risky crossings outside the marked places. Organized crossings must be clearly visible to both pedestrians and drivers, even at night or in bad weather conditions.
The introduction of pedestrian islands on wide boulevards reduces the time pedestrians spend on the roadway. Also shortened curve slows down vehicles when turning. The use of traffic lights with the so-called “time advantage” allows pedestrians to step first at the crossing, making them more visible to drivers. This practice is increasingly applied in cities such as Vienna, Berlin and Copenhagen.
Equipment that increases crossing safety
Standard equipment includes marked white stripes, vertical traffic signs, lighting, traffic lights, tactile strips for the visually impaired, and lowered curbs for wheelchairs and strollers. In addition, the speed limit in school zones and near crossings is often further reduced.
Modern equipment in modern cities is becoming more and more innovative. Examples include LED light strips in the asphalt that flash when the crossing signal is green. This is making the crossing more visible. In South Korea, traffic lights were used on the ground because many pedestrians were looking at their phones while crossing the street. Amsterdam and Copenhagen have installed sensors that detect the presence of people and adjust the duration of the green light.
In Germany, smart traffic lights are increasingly being used to communicate with cyclists. They would provide them with a “green” wave crossing if they move at a constant speed. This is increasing flow and reducing conflict with pedestrians.
Creative and unusual examples from the world
In the small town of Ísafjörður in Iceland, a pedestrian crossing has been painted in 3D technique. This gives crossing a looks as if it is floating above the ground. This illusion slows drivers down because it acts as a physical barrier. Similar optical illusions are used in India and China.
In Tokyo and Osaka, “scramble crossing” crossings are implemented where all pedestrians from all directions move simultaneously. Pedestrians can move diagonally, which has proven to be a very effective solution at high traffic intersections. London introduced the so-called diagonal crossings on Oxford Street, to reduce congestion on the sidewalks and increase flow.
Impact on safety and communication in traffic
A good crosswalk not only physically protects pedestrians, but also affects the behavior of drivers. In this way, the level of attention and culture in traffic is raised. In cities where pedestrian crossings are clearly marked and equipped with modern solutions, the number of accidents with pedestrians has decreased and people’s confidence to move on foot has increased. At the same time, drivers have better visibility and more information, which enables better and more efficient communication between all road users.
That’s why pedestrian crossings today are no longer just a place to cross the street – they are an indicator of the quality of life and the attention the city pays to its residents.
