City of Kenmore, Washington

Marked Crosswalk Guidance

for new location painted and RRFB-enhanced crosswalks

September19, 2016

The City of Kenmore receives requests to add marked crosswalks, both painted and enhanced with rectangular rapid-flash beacons (RRFBs), from citizens. The following guidance will apply to the installation of marked crosswalks in response to citizen requests and internal review of pedestrian crossing patterns.This guidance describes the general factors that will be considered in the review of all crosswalks. Crosswalks require a context-sensitive analysis and other site-specific factors may contribute to a recommendation.

This guidance seeks to maximize the safety of pedestrians, balanced with the expectation of drivers. This guidance is based on engineering research, state and national design standards.City staff believes marked crosswalk treatments should be evaluated as other traffic control devices such as signals and stop signs to maximize compliance and effectiveness. This guidance is separated by roadway classification, as defined by the Transportation Element of the Kenmore Comprehensive Plan.

Arterial and Residential Collector Roadways

Marked crosswalks on arterial and collector roadways shall typically be spaced 1300 feet (1/4 mile) apart. This spacing is intended to address the problem of signage and marking “saturation” for drivers which can lead to disregard, both intentional and unintentional, for crosswalks. Even with RRFB enhancement, close spacing of marked crosswalks is not recommended. Closer spacing of crosswalks may be necessary in locations where there is high pedestrian volume or poor pedestrian facilities between crossings. These specific situations will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

A number of criteria shall be evaluated prior to installation of a marked crosswalk, including, but not limited to;

  1. Volume of pedestrians currently crossing at that location
  2. Consideration will be given to the potential added volume of pedestrians using the crosswalk if it was marked and enhanced with RRFBs, or resulting from planned future development near the crossing
  3. Posted speed limit, measured 85th percentile traffic speed and volume
  4. Proximity to adirect access route to a school, park, bus stop or other pedestrian generator
  5. Existing connections to residential neighborhoods from the location
  6. Connection and terrain to nearby existing crosswalks
  7. Physical geometry of the site, including vertical and horizontal curves, existing utilities and improvements and vegetation

Addressing these criteria in an engineering study will document the recommendation for a marked crosswalk and its amenities at a location. Additional variables may be appropriate and actual thresholds will be determined based on context-sensitive design principles at each location.

RRFB enhancement of arterial marked crosswalks is highly recommended at otherwise uncontrolled crossings of arterials and collectors. These crossings typically occur at locations where pedestrians would not otherwise be expected, and can be located far from other traffic control devices.RRFBs are an effective method of drawing attention to crossing pedestrians and driver’s need to yield to pedestrians.

RRFBs are not recommended at stop-controlled (all way) or signalized intersections. These other traffic control mechanisms already capture the attention of drivers, forcing vehicles to slow or stop. Pedestrian crossings are typically expected at these controlled intersections, and many have marked crosswalks and pedestrian signals.

Local residential roadways

Marked crosswalks are not recommended on local residential roadways due to the low volumes, low speed limits and higher pedestrian activity near homes. There may be some exceptions to this recommendation where significant pedestrian crossing activity, unique site characteristics, adjacent pedestrian facilities or intersection with an arterial could meet theneed for a marked crosswalk. These sites will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

Crosswalk flags

Crosswalk flags will be provided at all marked crosswalks enhanced with RRFBs. Crosswalk flags will not be provided at any marked crosswalk that is at a signalized intersection. Other marked crosswalks may be provided with flags based on an engineering evaluation of criteria including, but not limited to;

  1. Volume of pedestrians currently using the crosswalk
  2. Proximity to a direct access route to a school, park, bus stop or other pedestrian generator
  3. Other traffic control at the crosswalk, including stop signs and yield signs
  4. Sight distance to the crosswalk for vehicles from all directions

18120 68th Ave NEPO Box 82607Kenmore, WA 98028

Office: (425) 3988900Fax: (425) 4813236