Chapter 4 - Sidewalk Design Guidelines and Existing Practices

Sidewalks must follow a set of guidelines in order to assure your safety. The following sub-chapters explain in depth all the rules an regulations sidewalk elements must follow. If you have been injuried in a sidewalk accident due to a sidewalk regulation violation, fill out this simple form for a free case evaluation today.

• 4.1 Location Research
• 4.2 Design Guideline Comparisons
• 4.3 Access Characteristics
• 4.4 Sidewalk Elements
• 4.5 Conclusion

Sidewalks form the backbone of the pedestrian transportation network. According to the Institute of Transportation Engineers, Technical Council Committee 5A-5 (1998), sidewalks "reduce the incidence of pedestrian collisions, injuries, and deaths in residential areas and along two-lane roadways." Without sidewalks, public rights-of-way are inaccessible to all pedestrians, including people with disabilities. When sidewalks are not available, pedestrians are forced to share the street with motorists, access to public transportation is restricted, and children might not have safe play areas. Because Federal regulations do not require agencies to build sidewalks, the decision is left to States and local agencies. Some agencies prioritize sidewalk installation, while others do not.

Accessible pedestrian facilities should be considered part of every new public right-of-way project where pedestrians are permitted. Sidewalk installation and the linking of pedestrian routes to transportation stops and major corridors should always be a priority. The decision to install sidewalks should not be optional. "Sidewalks should be built and maintained in all urban areas, along non-Interstate public highway rights-of-way, in commercial areas where the public is invited, and between all commercial transportation stops and public areas" (Institute of Transportation Engineers, Technical Council Committee 5A-5, 1998). This chapter examines the elements and characteristics of sidewalks that have the greatest impact on access. These characteristics include grade, cross-slope, and the design of specific elements such as curb ramps, driveway crossings, and intersections.

Source:
www.fhwa.dot.gov

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see also:

Sec 4.2 - Design Guidelines Sidewalk Related Accidents - FREE Lawsuit Information - FHA Sidewalk Regulations
Sidewalk Regulations - 4.2 Design Guideline Comparisons

Sec 4.3 - Access Characteristics Sidewalk Related Accidents - FREE Lawsuit Information - FHA Sidewalk Regulations
Sidewalk Regulations - 4.2 Design Guideline Comparisons

Chapter 3 Sidewalk Related Accidents - FREE Lawsuit Information - FHA Sidewalk Regulations
Sidewalk Regulations - Chapter 3 Summary of the Planning Process