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SIDEWALK
Sidewalks are an essential component of the pedestrian network. Sidewalks are generally located within the public right-of-way and provide a space for pedestrian travel that is separate from motor vehicle traffic. Sidewalks connect pedestrians to their homes and destinations and promote walking.
Although sidewalks are generally used by pedestrians, bicyclists in the “Interested but Concerned” user group are permitted to use sidewalks when no on-street bicycle facility is available or when they are uncomfortable using the provided on-street bicycle facility.
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Benefits
Challenges
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. A dedicated space for pedestrians
Provides a space separate from motor vehicle traffic
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The “interested but concerned” bicycle user group can use sidewalks to make connections when alternative bicycle facilities are not available
Considerations
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Installing sidewalks in locations where none currently exist can be a challenge due to existing grade, utilities, and similar obstacles
Wider sidewalks should be installed near schools, transit stops, in downtown areas, and anywhere high concentrations of pedestrians exist.
New sidewalks are required to meet ADA guidelines for, but not limited to, width, grade, and cross slope. The Americans with Disabilities Act requires a 3 foot clear walkway plus a 5 foot passing area every 200 feet.
. A sidewalk width of 6 feet enables two pedestrians (including wheelchair users) to walk side-by-side or to pass each other comfortably.
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. Street trees in the tree lawn between the sidewalk and street buffer pedestrians from motor vehicle traffic and increase comfort for users.
Where a sidewalk is directly adjacent to moving traffic, the preferred minimum sidewalk width is 8 feet. .
Sidewalks should be provided on both sides of streets to ensure adequate, safe access to adjacent properties and to provide clear street crossings, which primarily occur at intersections.
Sidewalks can be used in locations not adjacent to streets to provide pedestrian access from cul-de-sac streets and other neighborhood streets to nearby sidewalks, shared use paths, and other bicycle and pedestrian facilities. They can also provide access to key destinations, such as schools and parks. These sidewalks are called connectors. The use of connectors is encouraged for locations where pedestrians and cyclists would otherwise be required to travel more than 1,000 feet out of their way to reach the same destination. All new developments adjacent to bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure and/ or key desinations, such as schools, parks, and shopping centers, should provide connectors. Connector sidewalks can be provided either (1) within easements where they are maintained by property owners, (2) in common areas where they are maintained by a property owners association, or (3) in right-of-way or parcels dedicated or deeded to the City where they are maintained by the City.
Public sidewalks should be located within the public right-of-way or within a designated pedestrian easement.
Design Guidelines
Sidewalks should be designed and constructed to meet all applicable federal, state, and local standards, including ADA standards, and the design guidelines below:
WIDTH: 5 feet minimum or 8 feet minimum when the sidewalk is immediately adjacent to the curb or edge of shoulder .
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SEPARATION FROM STREET: 5 feet minimum from back of curb or edge of shoulder to the sidewalk pavement, unless located in an urban, low motor vehicle speed, commercial area where separation is less necessary.
SURFACE: Concrete pavement .
VERTICAL CLEARANCE: 10 feet preferred, 8 feet minimum .
CROSS SLOPE: 1% minimum, 2% maximum .
GRADE: 8% maximum .
