Clearly Defined, Obstacle Free, Pedestrian Routes

Street design should include the provision of clearly designated and delineated areas for pedestrians. The need for “safe areas” is recognised in the Manual for Streets (DfT 2007).

 

To enhance the protection of vulnerable pedestrians, all streets, including those using a shared space design, should include clear, continuous and readily identifiable routes that are clearly delineated from those used by cyclists and motorists.

 

Pedestrian routes between “safe spaces” in a shared space scheme, and footways in a traditional street should be continuous and unambiguous.

 

Different use areas within street scenes should be clearly delineated by the use of:

●       Clear, unambiguous physical delineation (currently a kerb with appropriately positioned dropped kerb crossing points but other methods may emerge which are shown to be effective for disabled people);

●       Physical features at surface level, such as tactile paving or differences in surface texture; and

●       Visual contrast at surface level. Contrast can be provided either as a band or by changes in colour between different use areas.

 

If carefully incorporated into the design, street furniture may also be used to enhance delineation between preferred uses within a street scene, to provide protection and to influence the flow of vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists.

 

Any method of providing delineation should not hinder general freedom of movement by pedestrians.

 

All pedestrian circulation routes, whether in a traditional street or as part of a shared space scene, should be free from obstacles. Where potential obstacles are incorporated, for example, seating, waste bins, bollards, planters, posts, signs and trees, these should be carefully designed and sited out of the main pedestrian flow and their position should be clearly identifiable to all users, including blind and partially sighted people, by the use of visual contrast and surface level tactile indicators and/or tapping rails.