Make the Streets Safer for Pedestrians!

In the view of many city leaders, a greater number of cars and highways mean better transportation. However, the rising global trend of pedestrian fatalities, congested and disconnected urban growth, air pollution, and climate emissions make it clear that we have to reduce the dependence on cars to create a safe and sustainable transport future. 

Tactile Solutions have a wide range of high-quality wayfinding indicators in Alberta, which safely guide pedestrians down their path. Their products are reliable, easy to install, and help prevent slips, falls, or other dangerous situations.

Here are some ways to make the streets safer for pedestrians:

1. Provide Accessible and Continuous Sidewalks

Comfort, continuity, and safety determine the success of a sidewalk. Well-planned sidewalks are continuous which means they are not stopping abruptly mid-block or at road crossings and provide space for pedestrians to move around. The sidewalks should include accessibility features for people with disabilities. A safe and accessible sidewalk should incorporate curb ramps, detectable warning dome tiles, and audible pedestrian crosswalk signals.

2. Deliver Safe Zones for Children and Young Adults

Areas around playgrounds, parks, schools, and community centers require special attention and safe zones. These safe zones should be equipped with good conditions for walking and cycling, as well as designated pick-up and drop-off areas. Skid-proof pavements, high-visibility crosswalks, and wide and accessible sidewalks help pedestrians to navigate easily.

3. Create Shared Road Spaces

Shared streets do not have typical street elements, like vertical curbs, signs, level differences, pavement markings, or colors that segregate different modes. This street is used by walkers, cyclists, and vehicle drivers alike. These streets can improve road safety under normal conditions. In these kinds of spaces, all road users exercise more caution, and vehicles tend to travel at much lower speeds.

Wrap Up-

Imagine a city designed to accommodate pedestrians first. It is more connected, active, safer, and healthier. Street layout and sidewalk construction are the best ways to make the streets safer for pedestrians. An effort should be made to place these pedestrian-focused principles among the highest priorities.

Tactile Solutions is one of the best online platforms having an attractive collection of path marking exit signs which provide visibility and indicate the direction of egress in all light conditions. They offer accessibility solutions that meet all current federal and provincial standards. To know more about their products, you can visit tactilesolution.ca!