The instructor did a great job of presenting the issues and challenges of enduring pedestrians in an environment designed to accommodate vehicular traffic.  Anonymous Attendee

INSTRUCTOR: Nazir Lalani, P.E., M.ASCE 

Purpose and Background

In recent years there has been an increased emphasis on improving pedestrian safety. Improving pedestrian safety extends to areas typically seen as being non-pedestrian-friendly, such as high speed and wide roadways. With traffic conditions changing as traffic volumes and congestion increases, the pedestrians' ability to safely cross many roadways is affected. Recent developments in geometric design features, traffic control devices, and technologies may improve pedestrian safety and access by addressing specific problems associated with roadway crossings. Although numerous treatments exist at unsignalized crossings, there is growing concern about their effectiveness. Thus, there is a need to identify and study selected treatments to determine their effectiveness. The webinar has been updated to include material form the most recent research and where new guidance has been provided on the best treatments to deploy at uncontrolled locations.

A recent research project jointly sponsored by TCRP and NCHRP was initiated to address this particular need. The research was conducted by the Texas Transportation Institute (TTI). The study had two main objectives: (1) to recommend selected engineering treatments to improve safety for pedestrians crossing high-volume, high-speed roadways at unsignalized intersections, in particular those served by public transportation; and (2) to recommend modifications to the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices for Streets and Highways (MUTCD) pedestrian traffic signal warrant. The research team developed and published a final report entitled Improving Pedestrian Safety at Unsignalized Crossings, NCHRP Report 562. Guidelines for use in selecting pedestrian crossing treatments for unsignalized intersections and mid-block locations are included in the report as Appendix A. A summary of this report will be presented during this webinar.

Learning Outcomes

• Learn about the latest research from at least three publications on pedestrian collision patterns, marked crosswalks, and uncontrolled locations.
• Become familiar with the  at least ten treatments  that have been tried by public agencies   and how will they work
• Learn about the the cost of at least ten of the most frequently used treatments.
• Learn about can happen when a pedestrian is hit in an uncontrolled crosswalk
• Learn from questions asked by the presenter to the webinar participants and their responses

Webinar Benefits

• Gain a better understanding of pedestrian crossing treatments
• Identify treatments that work
• Learn the advantages and disadvantages of different treatments
• Become familiar with what the international community is using

Intended Audience

• Transportation engineers/planners
• Highway designers for all types of facilities
• Members of staff in schools and school districts

Webinar Outline

• Pedestrian crossing installation guidelines
• Identifying alternative treatments
• Major street crossings at uncontrolled locations
• Residential street crossings
• Removal of crosswalks
• Signal controlled crossings for pedestrians
• School related crossings
• References

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