The design user or “design vehicle” for pedestrian facilities must be a pedestrian relying on the use of a wheelchair, cane, crutches, or other equipment for use with navigating pedestrian facilities. If a design works well for people with disabilities, it generally works better for everyone. Designers should also consider the needs of pedestrians walking side by side, or using additional devices, such as a double-wide stroller.

Designing a pedestrian facility must consider the basic principles of safety and comfort, as well as human factors like physical abilities, age, height, experience, and ability to perceive and react to potential conflicts. This focus on people’s varied abilities to travel as a pedestrian should be the basis for identifying the design user profiles that will inform key elements of design.

Many pedestrians use varied types of mobility and assistive devices on a regular basis, while others may have temporary mobility disabilities that require them to use an assistive device. Some of the types of devices that are commonly used on pedestrian facilities are shown in . These devices impact the spatial needs of pedestrians. These include, but are not limited to, the turning capabilities of wheeled mobility devices and the arc sweep of a cane used by someone with limited sight. Recommended dimensions and other specifications for pedestrian facilities in this guide generally meet the needs of these devices, and all meet the State and Federal requirements related to accommodating pedestrians with physical disabilities. See for information on accessibility requirements

Typical pedestrian walking speeds range from approximately 3 to 4-feet/s. Older people will generally walk at speeds in the lower end of this range. To accommodate most pedestrians, a walking speed of 3.5-feet/s must be used to determine signal timings, with a walking speed of 3-feet/s or less used where older pedestrians are expected or near schools. Refer to the for criteria for slower walking speed consideration. Refer also to the Part 4 Section 4.E06, and , with regard to pedestrian signal timing.