Access Management Toolkit: Answers to frequently asked questions

• Published by:  Center for Transportation Research and Education, Iowa State University

This comprehensive toolkit includes a series of access management concepts in the form of frequently asked questions and answers, as well as access management treatments, case studies and literature review. It is supplemented with tables and figures to illustrate each point, and an overview of key techniques. It also includes specific information on the importance of access management for pedestrians, such as the following:

“What are some other corridor design features that help pedestrians?

Other corridor design and access management features that can help pedestrians include the following:

• Right-turn lanes for high-volume driveways. Right-turn lanes provide a dedicated space for vehicles to decelerate and turn using a minimum turn radius. This reduces turning speeds into driveways and allows narrower driveway crossings for pedestrians.
• Sidewalk setbacks. Sidewalks located several feet from the street protect pedestrians by separating them from the traffic flow. If the buffer strip is of an adequate width, drivers can pull completely out of the traffic stream before yielding to a pedestrian.
• In addition, a landscaped or other clearly marked buffer helps to visually define sidewalk and driveway locations.
• Clear zone. A clear zone free of visual obstructions such as signs, large trees and bushes, or parked vehicles allows pedestrians to be seen by drivers and to see oncoming vehicles.
• Flat cross grade. A flat sidewalk cross grade improves pedestrian safety and is required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
• Signalized midblock crossings. Where feasible, midblock pedestrian crossings can reduce crashes, travel distance, and inconvenience, especially if the distance between signalized intersections is long (0.5 mile).”

Access Management Toolkit: Answers to frequently asked questions, Center for Transportation Research and Education, Iowa State University, Ames, Ia. (May 17, 2007) [Online]  http://www.ctre.iastate.edu/Research/access/toolkit/