Pedestrian crossings in Baku are often organized incorrectly and can not provide convenient and safe movement of pedestrians. The current situation can be described as follows: "run like hell"
But what is a comfortable and safe pedestrian crossings?
Different situations require a different approach. However, the principles for all cases are the same: pedestrian crossings should be accessible to everyone, that is, for all members of society there should be a barrier-free environment. First, let's talk about the highways and main roads.
Pedestrian crossings for highways
Ideally, the main high-speed roads should not pass through urban or residential areas and, accordingly, pedestrian crossings should not be necessary, but if it is inevitable, then such roads should be built below ground level, and for pedestrians bridges are organized across the roadway. Alternatively, the roads pass along the overpasses and then pedestrian crossings pass under the overpasses.
If the roads are on grade level pedestrian bridges or underground pedestrian tunnels can be used, but in this case there must be barrier-free environment and ramps. Usually ramps for elevated transitions look like this.
Signalized pedestrian crossing on urban streets
First of all, it should be noted on urban streets, underground and overground crossings are undesirable and unacceptable.
Signalized pedestrian crossings are usually organized at intersections
For example, this is a photo of the crossroads in New York. Four-way junctions are made at each of the intersections.
On the other hand, such U-shaped сrossing can not provide comfortable movement of pedestrians on the streets, such cases encourage people to violate the rules.
Another good example from New York
Diagonal crossing in Tokyo
Diagonal crossing in London
If a pedestrian crossing is needed out of intersection, in the middle of the block such crossing has to be made signalized. In accordance with European standards, if there are more two or more lanes in one direction on the carriageway, a traffic signal is needed. Otherwise, you need to calm the traffic.
The signalized crossing through a one-way street. In Baku we would put here the usual unregulated zebra crossing.
Good example from Paris.
This crossing is regulated by a traffic light with a call button and equipped with a rescue island
In the event that the intensity of pedestrian traffic is small, traffic lights with a button are used.
Unsignalized pedestrian crossings on urban streets
If the traffic intensity in the streets is low, and the street itself is quite calm and narrow, you can use unsignalized crossings (zebra crossing). However, even in these cases, precautions must be taken.
In order for drivers to slow down on the crossings, it is necessary to raise the crossing to the level of the sidewalk.
In addition, a different road surface also causes a speed drop.
In some cases, raise an entire intersection. For example:
Or like this
If the street is two-way on the dividing strip there must be an rescue island.
If the parking is allowed on the street, the sidewalk extensions are used. These extentions have two functions: first they artificially narrow the roadway and drivers better see pedestrians better.
Additionally, the extentions of the sidewalk prevent parking of cars on pedestrian crossings.
