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A Resident's Guide for Creating Safe and Walkable Communities
Chapter 4: I need more information!Definition of key termsThe following is some important, basic terminology that you may hear transportation professionals and pedestrian advocates use in relation to pedestrians and pedestrian accommodations:  Public right-of-way (ROW)The strip of land on which infrastructure such as highways, railroads, or power lines are built. The right-of-way includes the area where sidewalks are built and traffic signs are posted. Obtaining the ROW to build a sidewalk is often a significant challenge.  Shared-use path or trailA shared-use path (sometimes called multi-use or off-street paths or trails) can be used by pedestrians, bicyclists, inline skaters, and others. It typically is physically separated (usually on a separate right-of-way) from motor vehicle traffic by an open space or barrier.  Sidewalk easementA sidewalk easement is a limited right to use another's land for the purpose of constructing, altering, relocating, extending, maintaining, or using a public sidewalk. Sidewalk easements are often established in contracts between town agencies and private property owners in a cooperative effort to provide space for pedestrians.  Unmarked crosswalkAn unmarked crosswalk is the portion of a roadway included within the extension or connection of imaginary boundary lines of sidewalks at intersections. It is legal to cross at unmarked crosswalks at intersections (unless a restriction is posted), but many drivers, pedestrians, and even law enforcement officers may not know this.    Street connectivityStreets that are not well connected can limit people's abilities to travel in the most direct path, increase distances to destinations, require larger intersections to move vehicular traffic, increase a pedestrian's exposure to vehicles (which increases the risk of being hit), and can discourage walking. When a town or developer proposes a new plan or development project, you can attend public hearings, ask questions about street design and connectivity, and provide inputs that can influence the developer or town officials to improve connectivity for pedestrians. Find out about new proposals by regularly monitoring your community's schedule for public hearings. For existing communities with poor connectivity, you can request that the town build sidewalks/paths or purchase sidewalk easements between cul-de-sacs to better connect the pedestrian network (see image), or work with neighbors to allow and ultimately develop informal paths/trails. AccessibilityThe Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990 requires that all facilities covered by the law be "accessible" to people with all abilities. "Accessible" designs are covered by the ADA Accessibility Guidelines (ADAAG). The term "accessible" is often used to describe environments that meet these standards. For More Information:The ADAAG are available at http://www.access-board.gov/adaag/html/adaag.htm.
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Program ContactTamara Redmon Dick Schaffer What’s NewThe FHWA Safety Office is continually developing new materials to assist states, localities and citizens in improving pedestrian and bicycle safety. The materials listed on this page were completed recently. New Spotlight on Pedestrian Safety New Promoting the Implementation of Proven Pedestrian Countermeasures State Best Practice Policy for Medians State Best Practice Policy for Shoulders and Walkways Pedestrian Countermeasure Policy Best Practice Report The State of Florida is developing a statewide Pedestrian Safety Action Plan. They have set up a project website that includes information about the project, workshop presentations and resources relating to pedestrian safety. Evaluating Pedestrian Safety Countermeasures Safety Benefits of Raised Medians and Pedestrian Refuge Areas: Brochure, Booklet Safety Benefits of Walkways, Sidewalks, and Paved Shoulders: Brochure, Booklet |
