[sustran] Re: Pedestrian overpasses

[Michael Replogle]

I agree with Walter Hook, but would add also the issue of traffic volume. 

If there are routine breaks in traffic due to upstream signals, and safety 
refuge islands in the median for pedestrians to cross the street in stages,
crossing three lanes can work at grade without a signal. But it very much helps if there are added
traffic calming devices, such as large bright lane markings, good street lighting,
pedestrian crossing signs, and in some cases raised intersection tables, to which
some places (e.g. Dubai) have even begun to add in pavement LED devices that flash to give
pedestrians increased visibility and legitimacy. 

That said, Dutch traffic engineering design standards for years have said that in towns, 
no more than 2 lanes is appropriate without a refuge for crossing the street in stages.

Michael Replogle
Global Policy Director and Founder
Institute for Transportation and Development Policy
1225 Eye Street NW, Ninth Floor
Washington, DC 20005 USA
+1.202.534.1604
+1.301.529.0351 mobile
mreplogle at itdp.org




On Mar 15, 2010, at 10:44 AM, Walter Hook wrote:

> we've been asked to advise on this issue in many cities and under many
> contexts.  I believe that some basic general principals can be followed but
> also a gut feeling is usually to be trusted.  People can normally cross two
> lanes of reasonably high speed traffic reasonably easily but not three or
> more if they are not at a traffic signal that is going to be respected.
> even two lanes are hard if the average speeds are very high, but as a rule
> of thumb, i would say two lanes of mixed traffic, at grade, and three lanes
> of mixed traffic probably a flyover is better.
> 
> w.
> 
> On Mon, Mar 15, 2010 at 5:47 AM, Colin Brader <brader at itpworld.net> wrote:
> 
>> Dear Carlos
>> 
>> I think you may be generalising a little. Having undertaken  user needs
>> analysis, as part of developing a BRT conceptual design in the
>> Philippines, I have found a strong preference for at-grade crossings. I
>> believe it is then the designers job to either ensure that the at-grade
>> crossing is safe - adequate green times for predicted pedestrian volume,
>> appropriate sight lines and signal design, or if the locality is such
>> that safety cannot be assured, design an over bridge that does not
>> require overt effort to use. The designers appraisal must take full
>> consideration of the conditions within which the crossing is being
>> placed.
>> 
>> 
>> Regards
>> Colin Brader
>> Director
>> Integrated Transport Planning Ltd
>> 
>> 
>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: sustran-discuss-bounces+brader=itpworld.net at list.jca.apc.org
>> [mailto:sustran-discuss-bounces+brader <sustran-discuss-bounces%2Bbrader>=
>> itpworld.net at list.jca.apc.org] On
>> Behalf Of Carlosfelipe Pardo
>> Sent: 15 March 2010 01:42
>> To: Global 'South' Sustainable Transport
>> Subject: [sustran] Pedestrian overpasses
>> 
>> Hi,
>> 
>> The issue of everyone preferring pedestrian overpasses instead of
>> level-crossings is pretty much ubiquitous in developing countries in
>> Asia and Latin America (I assume Africa, but I don't know this as a
>> fact). But the most interesting part is that many "experts" and even
>> pedestrians prefer those overpasses, and when asking for "safety" in a
>> crossing they ask for an overpass instead of an adequate crossing! I've
>> been shouted at in meetings where I deny the need to have a specific
>> overpass and urge planners to design a crossing instead... they don't
>> understand that overpasses should be the last recourse, that they are
>> also much more expensive and provide a very negative message to many
>> (you, pedestrian, must do extra effort to cross, while the car must just
>> 
>> whizz by).
>> 
>> This just shows how much we still have to work on these issues...
>> 
>> Best regards,
>> 
>> Carlos.
>> 
>> 
>> On 12/03/2010 01:25, jane. wrote:
>>> Here there is no reason given. Like most things in China, they simply
>> just one day appear. Well, it was announced in the newspapers just
>> before construction started, but as I recall, they were simply notices.
>> But I suppose the justification would be something along the lines of
>> "improving traffic."
>>> 
>>> 
>>> 
>>> 
>>> 
>>> ________________________________
>>> From: Eric Britton<eric.britton at ecoplan.org>
>>> To: Cornie Huizenga<cornie.huizenga at slocatpartnership.org>;
>> jane.<voodikon at yahoo.com>
>>> Cc: Salil Bijur<salilb at gmail.com>; Global 'South' Sustainable
>> Transport<sustran-discuss at list.jca.apc.org>;
>> Kanchan<kittykanchan at gmail.com>; JasonChang<skchang at ntu.edu.tw>
>>> Sent: Thu, March 11, 2010 11:04:11 PM
>>> Subject: Pedestrian Budget
>>> 
>>> Just to be sure I understand rightly the basics on this one.
>>> 
>>> The idea, if one scratches, is to get the "other stuff" - i.e.,
>> walkers,
>>> cyclists -- out of the way of motorized traffic so that drivers can
>> arrive
>>> unencumbered and on time at their destinations? (No matter how the
>> concept
>>> is otherwise billed.)
>>> 
>>> Do I have that right?
>>> 
>>> Kind thanks for informing,
>>> 
>>> Best/Eric Britton
>>> 
>>> PS. If anyone is up to it, this could be  an excellent truth-seeking
>> piece
>>> for World Streets, with the necessary independent balanced coverage of
>>> course. Candidates?
>>> 
>>> 
>>> 
>>> Note: New Paris tel. +331 7550 3788 . Kindly change your records.
>>> 
>>> World Streets  .  www.worldstreets.org
>>> 8/10, rue Jospeh Bara  .  Paris 75006 France
>>> +331 7550 3788  .  eric.britton at newmobility.org  .  Skype newmobility
>>> New Mobility Partnerships   . www.partners.newmobility.org
>>> 9440 Readcrest Drive  .   Los Angeles, CA 90210
>>> +1 213 984 1277 .  fekbritton at gmail.org .  Skype ericbritton
>>> 
>>> 
>>> 
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> 
> 
> 
> -- 
> 
> Walter Hook
> Executive Director
> Institute for Transportation and Development Policy
> 127 W 26 St, Ste 1002
> New York, NY 10001
> 1-212-629-8001
> www.itdp.org
> 
> Promoting sustainable and equitable transportation worldwide.
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