Lesson 9: Walkways, Sidewalks, and Public Spaces

Lesson Outline
- Important sidewalk locations.
- Basic sidewalk design.
- Beneficial design elements.
- Public spaces.
- Costs and benefits of sidewalks.
- Summary.
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Source: PBIC, www.pedbikeimages.org |
Important Sidewalk Locations
- Schools.
- Transit stops.
- Parks/sports areas.
- Shopping districts.
- Recreational corridors.
- Medical complexes and hospital.
- Public buildings.
Basic Sidewalk Design
- Sidewalk width.
- Bridge sidewalks.
- Rural sidewalks.
- Border areas and buffers.
- Grade.
- Cross–slope.
| - Pavement surfaces.
- Stairs.
- Corners.
- Shy distances.
- Sight distances.
- Continuity.
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Sidewalk Width

Minimum |
Desired |
1.2 m (4 ft) (AASHTO) | 1.8+ m (6+ ft) (varies) |
Source: PBIC, www.pedbikeimages.org |
Bridge Sidewalks
Minimum |
Desired |
On one side, full width | On both sides, full width, separated from traffic |
Source: PBIC, www.pedbikeimages.org |
Rural Sidewalks

Minimum |
Desired |
Paved shoulder | Sidewalk as far from road as possible (nearest right–of–way) |
Source: PBIC, www.pedbikeimages.org |
Border Areas and Buffers
Minimum |
Desired |
5-7 ft (from lane) 1-3 ft (from building) | 10+ ft (from lane) 3+ ft (from building) |
Source: PBIC,www.pedbikeimages.org |
Grade

Minimum |
Desired |
<5 to 8 percent | As flat as possible to still allow drainage |
Pavement Surfaces

Minimum |
Desired |
Usually concrete | Concrete, asphalt, or paver stones |
Source: PBIC, www.pedbikeimages.org |
Stairs

Minimum |
Desired |
0.3–m– (42–inch–) wide railing on one side | Uniform grade, 1 percent slope, railings on both sides, well–lit |
Corners
Minimum |
Desired |
1.2–m– (4–ft–) wide curb ramps | Curb ramps, queuing space, enlivening street furniture |
Source: PBIC, www.pedbikeimages.org |
Shy Distances

Minimum |
Desired |
None | 0.4 to 0.9 m (1.5 to 3 ft) from object |
Source: PBIC,www.pedbikeimages.org |
Continuity

Minimum |
Desired |
None | Interconnected network |
Source: PBIC, www.pedbikeimages.org |
Additional Design Elements
- Street lighting.
- Landscaping.
- Awnings.
- Kiosks.
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Public Spaces
- Outdoor cafes.
- Alleys/narrow streets.
- Play areas/public art.
- Pedestrian streets/malls.
- Pedestrian plazas.
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Costs and Benefits of Sidewalks
- Addition: 1.5 m (5–ft) sidewalk and two street border trees.
- Cost: an extra one to three percent of total cost to develop the lot.
- Benefit: increased property value of $3,000 to $5,000.
Lesson Summary
- Sidewalks should be provided for certain types of land use.
- Sidewalks should be designed to meet certain minimum requirements.
- Additional design elements are key to creating inviting pedestrian spaces.
- Well–designed and placed public spaces can enliven an area.
- Sidewalks have valuable community benefits.
FHWA-HRT-05-102
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