The following aspects are important considerations for how the design for other road users can impact access and safety for pedestrians at intersections:

  • Drivers (particularly those turning left) should be able to predict the path of travel of pedestrians who are about to leave the kerb.
  • The intersection design and other factors should result in slow vehicle turning speeds. This can be achieved through small corner radii (described in the PNG: Corner radii section).
  • It is preferable to provide separate space for pedestrians and cyclists as much as possible through an intersection, rather than having these users potentially conflict in a mixing zone, particularly in busy pedestrian areas (described further below).

Mixing zones with other users

In central areas and suburban centres where pedestrian volumes are higher, the mixing of people on foot and by bicycle at corners should be avoided.  This unnecessarily increases the potential for conflict between walking and other modes such as cycling that travel at different speeds. It also increases the potential for congestion on corners or within median islands that could lead to overspill or non-compliance by users and can make some pedestrians feel uncomfortable needing to share the footpath with higher speed modes (refer to photos below). 

Separate spaces for users provides for more equitable allocation of space. (Photo: Gemma Dioni)

The examples below show layouts where cyclists riding to the crossing point have to cross over footpath where people could be waiting or walking towards the crossing from another approach.  This is less desirable particularly where pedestrian volumes are higher, for example in central city and suburban centre areas. The conflict could be removed by retaining a separated cycleway all the way to the signals.

Less desirable layouts where people cycling and pedestrians mix while crossing or waiting to cross. (Photo: Megan Gregory)