Pedestrian Facilities and How to Use Them

 


The Florida Department of Transportation provides a separate walkway (either a sidewalk or a path) along State roads within one mile of an urban area, except for roads where pedestrians are specifically prohibited, such as Interstate Highways. All pedestrian facilities must meet the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements. Specific guidance for the size and design of sidewalk and paths can be found in the FDOT Plans Preparation Manual, Design Standards and the Traffic Engineering Manual.


The Pedestrian Facilities you will find on FDOT roads include the following:

 

Sidewalks Sidewalks on State roads have a minimum width of 5', or 6' if placed at the back of the curb. Sidewalks are designed for pedestrians, though bicyclists may also use them if they yield to pedestrians and ride slowly. They are constructed of concrete.
Paths Shared use paths are generally found in areas with fewer intersections - longer stretches of suburban arterials, for instance, or perhaps along a waterfront. Paths are shared by pedestrians and bicyclists alike, so they are wider (10' minimum) and designed to accommodate bicycle travel. Paths are normally constructed with asphalt, making them more attractive than regular sidewalks for runners and joggers.
Crosswalks Crosswalks occur at all intersections, whether they are marked or not. The crosswalks are located across the legs of the intersection, not diagonally across the intersection, unless otherwise clearly marked. Crosswalks do NOT exist at mid-block conditions unless they are marked, as described below. This link provides more information about safe use of crosswalks:

 

http://www.fdot.gov/safety/6-Resources/Crosswalk%20Safety/CrosswalkSafetyIllustrated.shtm
Marked Crosswalk In addition to naturally-occurring crosswalks at intersections, which may be unmarked, some crosswalks are clearly marked and may indicate crossing locations that otherwise would not exist. For example, a mid-block crosswalk only exists where one is marked. This link provides more information about safe use of crosswalks:

 

 http://www.fdot.gov/safety/6-Resources/Crosswalk%20Safety/CrosswalkSafetyIllustrated.shtm
Pedestrian Crossing Signals On busy streets, FDOT provides special signals to indicate when pedestrians may safely cross. These may be "ped-heads" attached to conventional traffic signals or pedestrian-only signals such as the "Rapid Rectangular Flashing Beacon" or "HAWK" signals, described below. Where a signal is provided, pedestrians should use the signal to stop traffic and allow for a safe crossing.
Rapid Rectangular Flashing Beacon An Rapid Rectangular Flashing Beacon (RRFB) consists of two rapidly and alternately flashing rectangular yellow indications having LED-array based pulsing light sources which functions as a warning beacon. To use this device, just press the call button to activate the flashing lights. Please wait a few additional seconds to give motorists a chance to clear the intersection before you cross. This link provides more information about the RRFB signal:

 

 http://safety.fhwa.dot.gov/intersection/resources/techsum/fhwasa09009/
Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon (HAWK) This experimental pedestrian-actuated traffic control device provides a dark indication to motorists until activated by a pedestrian. Once activated, a solid red indication is provided to motorists to direct them to stop. The solid red indication advances to a flashing red indication that allows motorists to proceed with caution once a pedestrian is clear. This link provides more information about the HAWK signal:

 

http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/publications/research/safety/10045/index.cfm