Intersections of major and minor streets often lack the same level of definition, safety, and clarity as major intersections. Bicyclists and pedestrians, though legally permitted to cross at these locations, are implicitly discouraged from doing so through design. Vehicles often fail to yield at these locations and have few design cues to suggest they should. Where major streets meet minor streets, define the transition in street type and context using “gateway” treatments such as curb extensions, raised crossings, and tight curb radii. Use design elements so that people turning from the major to the minor street become aware they are entering a slow speed environment.
Existing Conditions
The illustration above shows a typical intersection of a minor street with a major through street or collector. The low-volume minor approach is unsignalized while the major corridor has high speeds, making it difficult to cross the street.
1The traffic on the major street discourages pedestrian and bicycle crossings. Crosswalks and signage are lacking at the minor street, failing to alert motorists to potential cross traffic.
2Cars turn at high speeds onto the minor street, compromising the slow-speed, residential environment.
make crossings risky and no striping or signage exists to alert motorists.
Recommendations
Evaluate intersection volumes to ensure that there are sufficient gaps in traffic for an unsignalized, marked crossing. Look at the overall traffic network to balance permeability while minimizing cut-through traffic. Do not restrict bicycle or pedestrian crossings of major roads, even if warrants are not met.
3Use raised crossings and curb extensions to limit turning speeds from the major to the minor street. Raised crossings increase visibility and the potential for a vehicle to yield to a crossing pedestrian. When crossing a minor street, a raised cycle track can be carried through an intersection and be combined with a raised crosswalk to clarify and accentuate priority.
4Minimize turning speeds from the major to the minor street. Design so that drivers on the major street yield to people in the crosswalk and cycle track. Ensure that drivers on the minor street can turn onto or cross the major street without excessive delay (either caused by signals or traffic). Bollards at legal turns keep turning drivers off the crosswalk and reduce crashes with pedestrians.
5If a signal is used, shorten cycle lengths and coordinate signal timing to ensure routine gaps in traffic. Otherwise, pedestrians may try to cross on a red signal with a gap in the vehicle platoons. Long, unsignalized corridors may require the installation of all-way stop signs.
6Stripe crosswalks at unsignalized crossings and critically evaluate whether or not pedestrians may benefit from enhanced crossing treatments, such as safety islands, high-visibility signage, actuated beacons, or full signalization.
