19.12 Additional Considerations
19.12.1 Personal Security
People may choose not to walk for their trip if they do not feel personally secure along the entirety of the route. While not all aspects of personal security can be impacted by roadway design, there are some elements that can be made more secure through design. For example, ensuring the pedestrian access route is well lit will have a positive impact on personal security (see section above). Simply providing an attractive pedestrian experience thereby encouraging more pedestrian activity improves personal security by bringing more “eyes on the street.”
Where a diversity of active land uses is not present or regular volumes of pedestrians are not expected, open sight lines can promote a sense of security. It is important to reduce or eliminate barriers or blind spots where pedestrians cannot be seen by others, or by motorists traveling along the road. Vegetation in the public ROW should be regularly maintained to promote open sight lines. Landscaping can be used in the buffer zones for pedestrian comfort and safety and can also be used to help direct them to established street crossings. Landscape plantings should preserve sight lines between the sidewalk and roadway through appropriate choice of the height and type of plantings.
19.12.2 Aesthetics
Attractively designed pedestrian facilities can lead to higher usage by making pedestrians feel integrated and welcomed in the transportation system. Pedestrians’ slower travel speeds mean that they appreciate and expect a greater diversity of roadside elements. Landscaping, whether with vegetation or varying construction materials (e.g., colored concrete, pavers) in and adjacent to the sidewalk corridor, can enhance the pedestrian experience. Maintenance of vegetation and materials should be considered in the project development process since unmaintained landscaping can eventually become detrimental to the pedestrian experience. Refer to TxDOT’s
for further guidance.
19.12.3 Exposure to the Elements
Adverse weather conditions present a barrier to pedestrian travel. Protection from heat, sun, and rain should be considered in the project design process as this protection enables more consistent use of pedestrian facilities. Shelters and trees can provide protection from the elements. Additionally, properly designed drainage and regular maintenance will keep pedestrian facilities usable without pooling water in the event of precipitation.
Plantings should be selected according to guidance in TxDOT’s
.