Omar Bennett
A pedestrian crossing, or crosswalk in American and Canadian English, is a designated place for pedestrians to cross a road, street, or avenue. Crosswalks are any areas distinctly indicated for pedestrian crossing by lines or other pavement markings. They are also any parts of a road at an intersection between the curbs on opposite sides of the roadway or, if there are no curbs, between the edges of the road. Crosswalks are designed to help people reach the other side of the road, with most incorporating easy-to-recognize lights and signals. There are several different types of crosswalks, including zebra crosswalks, parallel crosswalks, and staggered crosswalks. Crosswalks are governed by rules to ensure safety, such as requiring pedestrians to be more than halfway across before drivers can proceed.
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What You'll Learn
Pedestrians should use sidewalks when available
Pedestrians are advised to use sidewalks when they are available for their own safety. While sidewalks do not guarantee that pedestrians will not be struck by vehicles, they do offer a safer place to walk than roadways. This is because sidewalks are designated pedestrian walkways, and motorists are required by law to yield to pedestrians on sidewalks.
In the United States, pedestrians are expected to use sidewalks when they are provided and safely accessible. In New York, for example, pedestrians must use the sidewalk instead of walking in the road when sidewalks are available. Similar laws are in place in Texas and Washington State, where pedestrians may not walk on a roadway if an adjacent sidewalk is provided and accessible.
When sidewalks are unavailable, pedestrians should walk on the shoulder of the road, facing oncoming traffic. This is because pedestrians walking against traffic are more visible to motorists and can better monitor oncoming traffic. In Washington, pedestrians are advised to walk as close to the left side of the road as possible, using the shoulder or sidewalk if available. In California, pedestrians should generally stay on the left-hand side of traffic when no sidewalks are available.
It is important to note that, while sidewalks can provide a safer walking experience, they do not eliminate the risk of accidents. Distracted driving, for example, is a significant cause of fatal traffic accidents, with 12% of drivers involved in fatal crashes in 2023 distracted by their cell phone use. Therefore, while pedestrians should prioritize using sidewalks when available, it is also important to remain vigilant and follow other safety guidelines, such as obeying traffic signals and wearing light-colored clothing at night.
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Pedestrians have right of way at intersections
While it is commonly believed that pedestrians always have the right of way, this is not strictly true. Like other road users, they must yield the right of way in certain circumstances. For example, when crossing the road outside an intersection, or when crossing without a signal and traffic is oncoming.
However, pedestrians do have the right of way in many situations, and this is particularly important to establish when a pedestrian is injured in an accident, as it can help show who was liable. Failing to yield the right of way to a pedestrian is negligent behaviour and invokes the liability of the motorist involved in the accident.
In the US, nearly every state has laws prohibiting pedestrians from suddenly running out, conducting business, or soliciting rides while on the road. Pedestrians must obey traffic signals and traffic control devices unless otherwise directed by a traffic or police officer.
Drivers and bicyclists must yield to pedestrians on sidewalks and in crosswalks. If there are no sidewalks, pedestrians must walk on the left side of the road or the shoulder of the road facing oncoming traffic, unless the left side of the road is obstructed or unsafe.
Pedestrians have the right of way at intersections, even if drivers have a green light. Motorists turning right or left at an intersection should always look out for pedestrians and yield the right of way to them.
In the state of New York, a driver emerging from or entering an alleyway, building, private road, or driveway must yield the right of way to any pedestrian approaching on any sidewalk or road shoulder.
In Missouri, the law states that pedestrians have the right of way at intersections, including both marked and unmarked crosswalks.
In Washington state, every intersection is a legal crosswalk unless it is marked as closed or located between two signalised intersections.
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Obey pedestrian traffic signals
Obeying pedestrian traffic signals is crucial for ensuring the safety of everyone on the road. Here are some detailed instructions and guidelines for pedestrians to follow when encountering traffic signals:
Understanding Traffic Signals
Pedestrians should familiarize themselves with the standard traffic signals, which typically include the “Walk,” “Don't Walk,” or “Wait” signs or symbols. Some signals may also include flashing or steady indicators. Understanding these signals is essential for making safe crossing decisions.
"Walk" Signal
When facing a steady "Walk" signal or a walking person symbol, pedestrians have the right of way and may proceed to cross the roadway in the direction indicated by the signal. Motorists are required to stop and yield to pedestrians in this situation.
"Don't Walk" Signal
If a “Don't Walk” signal or an upraised hand symbol is steady, pedestrians should not start crossing the road. Those who have already begun crossing when the signal changes should continue to the other side. However, if the “Don't Walk” signal is flashing, pedestrians should not enter the roadway but should proceed to a sidewalk or safety island if they have already started crossing.
"Wait" Signal
A "Wait" signal indicates that pedestrians must wait before crossing. This signal is typically used to provide a buffer between vehicle traffic and pedestrian crossings.
Intersections and Crosswalks
When crossing at intersections or marked crosswalks, pedestrians should always obey the traffic signals. If there are no signals present, wait for a gap in traffic and cross in front of stopped vehicles. Always look for cars in all directions, including those turning, to ensure a safe crossing.
Sidewalks and Roadways
Pedestrians are generally required to use sidewalks whenever they are available. If there is no sidewalk, pedestrians should walk on the left side of the roadway or the shoulder, facing oncoming traffic. This increases visibility and helps motorists see and yield to pedestrians.
Blind or Partially Blind Pedestrians
It is important for motorists to be aware of blind or partially blind pedestrians carrying a white or metallic cane or using a guide dog. Drivers must take all necessary precautions to avoid causing injury to these individuals.
Speed Management
The speed of vehicles near transit stops and stations is crucial for pedestrian safety. Communities should work towards reducing motor vehicle speeds in these areas to improve conditions for pedestrians and encourage walking as a mode of transportation.
Precautions for Pedestrians
Pedestrians should always be cautious and aware of their surroundings when crossing roadways. Look for vehicles in all directions and avoid stepping into the road from between parked cars or other obstructions. Never assume that drivers will stop, and always make eye contact with motorists when crossing to ensure they see you.
Precautions for Motorists
Motorists play a significant role in pedestrian safety. When approaching a crosswalk, drivers should slow down and be prepared to stop. Never pass vehicles stopped at a crosswalk, as there may be pedestrians crossing whom you cannot see. Always yield to pedestrians and give them the right of way.
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Drivers must yield to pedestrians
In the majority of cases, drivers must yield to pedestrians, especially at intersections and crosswalks. In New York, for instance, the driver of a vehicle entering or exiting an alleyway, building, private road, or driveway must yield to any pedestrian approaching on a sidewalk or road shoulder. Similar laws are in place in Texas and Washington.
However, pedestrians must also exercise caution and follow traffic rules. For example, in New York, Texas, and Washington, pedestrians are required to use sidewalks where they are provided. In the latter two states, if no sidewalk is available, pedestrians must walk on the left side of the road or its shoulder, facing oncoming traffic. In Texas, pedestrians are prohibited from moving in front of, under, between, or through the cars of a stationary train occupying any part of a railroad grade crossing. In Washington, pedestrians must obey traffic signals and control devices unless otherwise directed by a traffic or police officer.
In Arkansas, motorists must yield to pedestrians in several situations, including when pedestrians are crossing at a traffic signal-controlled intersection on green with a "go" indicator illuminated. However, pedestrians must yield to traffic if they are crossing outside of a crosswalk or traffic light and take extreme caution. They must not cross against a red hand signal, and they should not step off a curb suddenly when a driver is in close proximity, as this can result in an accident.
In summary, while drivers generally have a responsibility to yield to pedestrians, especially at marked crossings, pedestrians also have a duty of care to follow traffic rules and be aware of their surroundings to ensure their own safety.
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Safe walking distances to transit
Ensuring acceptable walking distances to transit stops is key to encouraging the use of public transportation. Research shows that there is a strong link between walking time to transit stops and transit usage: the longer the walking time, the fewer people use public transportation.
The question of walking distance in transit is a complex one, impacting a range of consequential decisions, including network structure, travel time, reliability standards, frequency, and mode choice. Transit agencies need to understand passengers' walking preferences for different transit modes and use this knowledge to identify transit gaps and improve accessibility for their networks.
Most people are willing to walk for five to ten minutes, or approximately a quarter to half a mile to a transit stop. However, people may be willing to walk longer distances when accessing heavy rail services. People from suburban areas are also more willing to walk to reach public transportation than their urban counterparts. For example, in rural areas, average walk times can be up to 8-10 minutes, while in dense urban areas, they may be less than a minute.
When identifying pedestrian safety issues and solutions, it is important to consider that pedestrians have varied characteristics, such as age, gender, and disabilities. Different classes of pedestrians travel at different speeds, are comfortable with different distances, and have varied levels of comfort with traffic, temperature, and time spent waiting at a transit stop. Environmental conditions, such as weather, can also impact walking distances. For instance, people are less likely to want to walk long distances to a bus stop in harsh weather conditions. Therefore, providing bus shelters or protected pedestrian walkways can improve the pedestrian environment and encourage transit usage.
To promote pedestrian safety and encourage transit usage, safe and convenient pedestrian facilities should be provided within a quarter to half a mile of transit stops and stations, and greater distances near heavy rail stations. In addition, reducing motor vehicle speeds on roadways near transit stops can improve safety conditions and make pedestrians feel more comfortable and safe.
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Frequently asked questions
A pedestrian crossing is a designated place for pedestrians to safely cross a road, street or avenue.
There are many types of pedestrian crossings, including zebra crossings, puffin crossings, pelican crossings, toucan crossings, and pegasus crossings.
Zebra crossings are uncontrolled and more appropriate for lower traffic flow. They are characterised by black and white stripes. Parallel crossings, on the other hand, are marked by two parallel lines and allow vehicles to continue once a pedestrian is halfway through the crosswalk.
Pedestrians should follow the Green Cross Code, which includes five steps to ensure safe crossing. They should also obey "Don't Walk" signs and wait for the "Walk" signal before crossing.
Drivers must follow the rules outlined in The Highway Code, such as yielding to pedestrians on crosswalks and giving way when someone has moved onto a crossing. They should also make eye contact with pedestrians to ensure safety.
