By David Peel
Traditional crosswalks have long been a staple, with pedestrians navigating the flow of traffic. However, an old concept is again gaining traction – the all-walk crosswalk design. This approach allows all pedestrians to cross the street simultaneously, even diagonally—and it’s already in nearby Nashville. It is sometimes referred to as a “scramble” crossing.
The traditional crosswalk model does have its drawbacks. It requires pedestrians to cross in intervals, and with no diagonal option it leaves many waiting on the curb through two whole light rotations. In a scramble, you don’t have to go from one side to the other and wait and go to the other. You can just go diagonally.
Design Principles
1. Exclusive Pedestrian Phase: The all-walk crosswalk design incorporates an exclusive phase where all vehicle traffic comes to a stop from all directions—allowing pedestrians to cross safely. This phase is enforced by traffic signals turning red in all ways.
2. Clear Markings: Well-defined and visible crosswalk markings guide pedestrians. These markings are typically wider and more visible than traditional crosswalks and also feature diagonal paths.
3. Signal Timing: Traffic signals are timed to ensure that pedestrians have ample time to cross. This minimizes rush and ensures a safe transition.
Benefits
– Enhanced Safety: All-walk crosswalks significantly reduce the risk of pedestrian-vehicle collisions up to 38%. With all traffic stopped, pedestrians can cross without worrying about turning vehicles. That being said, turning collisions are seldom as tragic as crossing impacts.
– Improved Traffic Flow: This design can enhance traffic flow by allowing pedestrians to cross efficiently during their dedicated phase, reducing congestion and conflicts.
– Accessibility: All-walk crosswalks are designed to be more accessible to individuals with disabilities, with features like tactile paving and audible signals.
– Reduced Impatience: The frustration of waiting for a signal to cross is eliminated, reducing the likelihood of impulsive, unsafe actions.
Challenges
While all-walk crosswalks offer numerous advantages, they do present some challenges, including potential delays on vehicle traffic and the need for reconfiguration of existing intersections.
The delay is why these were abandoned years ago, but in crowded areas where traffic is often stopped for pedestrians it might make sense.
The most deadly aspect is that we have all been trained to cross promptly when traffic stops in one direction, but that does not happen here, so it can be tricky.
The all-walk crosswalk design represents a significant difference in trying to improve pedestrian safety and urban mobility. As cities continue to evolve, it is yet to be seen if this can really make our streets safer and more efficient in the long term. Denver has stopped them but other cities seem to love them. What do you think?
Peel seeks justice for those injured in tractor trailer and car accidents, medical malpractice, and disability. He often addresses churches, clubs and groups without charge. Peel may be reached through PeelLawFirm.com wherein other articles may be accessed.
