Convenient and Safe Crossings
Crosswalks are critical elements of the pedestrian network. Safe crosswalks support other transportation modes as well. A crosswalk is defined as any portion of a roadway at an intersection or elsewhere that is distinctly indicated for pedestrian crossing. When crosswalks are marked across the road at an intersection, they are the only legal crosswalks across the road at that intersection. When no crosswalks are marked, the law defines a crosswalk at each leg of every intersection as "the prolongation or connection of the lateral lines of the sidewalks on each side" (or where the sidewalk would be if there is none). Regardless of crosswalk style or crossing distance, drivers in Arlington are required to yield to pedestrians at all crosswalks.
There are several attributes of good crosswalks. These can be realized through a variety of tools and designs:
- Appropriate Intervals
There is a reasonable match between the frequency of good crossing opportunities along a street and the potential demand for crossing. - Clarity
It is obvious where to cross and easy to understand possible conflict points with traffic. - Visibility
The location and illumination of the crosswalk allows pedestrians to see and be seen by approaching traffic while crossing. - Clear Crossing
The crosswalk is free of barriers, obstacles, and hazards. - Adequate crossing time
The time available for crossing accommodates users of all abilities.
In Arlington four types of crosswalk markings or styles are used. The minimum width of a crosswalk is six (6) feet, and many crosswalks are wider, up to 10 feet at crossings with high volumes of pedestrians.
The most common marking is two solid parallel lines. These markings are used at most signalized intersections and at lower volume pedestrian crossings. At crossings where higher volumes of pedestrians are expected, the ladder style crosswalk marking is used. This style includes two (2) foot wide bands perpendicular to the solid parallel lines. This type of crosswalk is used at crossings near schools and parks, for midblock crossings and at intersections with high numbers of pedestrian crossings.
Arlington also currently uses two types of decorative crosswalks: paver crosswalks and imprinted asphalt walks. Paver crosswalks are common in high density commercial areas, while the imprinted asphalt walks are used more in residential and medium density area.
Crossing distances also affect pedestrian safety. A goal of the Arlington Pedestrian Transportation Plan is to minimize pedestrian crossing distances, with none exceeding 60 feet. A variety of design features are used around the County to help minimize pedestrian crossing distance. The designs either reduce or break up the actual crossing distance by introducing medians or nubs to the intersections. These design elements are incorporated into new construction projects or are installed as a retrofit to an existing street or intersection.
More information regarding Arlington's crosswalk policies will soon be available online.
