Road design and management must take into account the needs of all road users, especially vulnerable road users such as pedestrians and cyclists.

Road infrastructure now includes many facilities that make travel by walking and cycling easier, safer and more predictable. Clearly marked and signalled pedestrian crossings, centre-of-road refuge islands, motion detectors and surface indicators help people safely cross busy urban roads and provide safer access for those using mobility aids.

Issues

Crossing busy roads can be difficult and risky for any pedestrians. The needs of pedestrians with disabilities, older pedestrians and children require particular consideration when developing the road network.

Initiatives for safer footpaths and crossings

DIT collaborates with local government and community user groups, implementing several strategies to make street crossings safer and more accessible for all pedestrians. Treatments and devices to improve safety for people with visual and physical disabilities include:

• signalised pedestrian crossings with:
• • audio tactile push buttons and /or
  • microwave motion detectors to detect the presence of pedestrians at the crossing
• kerb extensions to minimise crossing distance
• kerb ramps
• medians, and pedestrian refuges, to allow the crossing of roads in two stages
  pedestrian walkthroughs
• tactile ground surface indicators.