Lesson 13: Walkways, Sidewalks, and Public Space

Barriers to Walking?

Jay Walking Activity

Basic Urban Sidewalk Requirements

• Min width of 5 ft. if set back from curb, 6 ft. if curb face

• Paving material = concrete

• Boarder areas & buffers = min. width is 5-7 ft.

• Shy distance = 2 ft.

• Grade = no more than 5%, avoid 8%

• Stairs = require railing, railing extends 18” beyond top and bottom of stair, lit at nite

• Landscaping

Sidewalk Placement

Priority Construction:

• Schools

• All transit stops

• Parks, sports arenas

• Shopping districts

• Recreational corridors

• Retirement homes

• Medical complexes/hospitals

• All public buidlings

$$$$

Ambiance, Shade, & Other Sidewalk Enhancements

Pedestrian Plazas

Choose an existing public space that currently does not encourage walking/biking & redesign it to better accommodate peds.

Walkability Checklist