This document discusses pedestrian and bicycle access during construction projects. It notes that pedestrians and bicyclists rely on local networks of trails, sidewalks, and paths, and that safety, access to destinations, and comfort are key factors to consider. During construction, various methods like fences, barricades and signs can alert users and maintain safety, though execution varies widely and can leave unexpected barriers or obstacles in pathways. Maintaining travel routes, repairs, and alternative accommodations are important to consider for all users.

1. Pedestrian & Bicycle Access
during Field Work

2. LOCAL PEDESTRIANS &
BICYCLISTS
Pedestrians and
bicyclists rely on
the local network
of trails, sidewalks
and paths to get
around

3. PEDESTRIANS
All ages & abilities walk to key destinations

4. MOBILITY-IMPAIRED
PEDESTRIANS
This includes those using wheelchairs, crutches, canes,
walkers, guide dogs, prosthetic limbs, and orthotics

5. LOCAL RESIDENTS &
BICYCLING
Many also bike to local destinations
FAMILIES

6. KEY FACTORS: SAFETY
Pedestrians and
bicyclists, particularly
children, the elderly,
those with disabilities
are more vulnerable
users of the facilities,
crossings and
intersections

7. KEY FACTORS: ACCESS
Bike
parking at
local
Walmart
Sidewalks & trails provide access to stores, transit & key
destinations

8. KEY FACTORS: COMFORT
Lack of protection
from vehicles as well
as uneven surfaces
and unlit areas create
situations that are
uncomfortable for
pedestrians

9. LAND USE
Many neighborhoods lack internal connections so bicyclists
and pedestrians travel along busy roadways

10. ALERTING USERS & MAINTAINING
SAFETY
Many ways that pedestrians & bicyclists can
be alerted & kept safe as they approach &
negotiate a construction area:
Fences + Barricades + Warning Signs

11. EXECUTION VARIES WIDELY

12. UNEXPECTED BARRIERS
Blockage hidden around bend several
hundred feet from previous intersection
How do wheelchair
users turn around?

13. VISIBLE & REFLECTIVE
ADVANCE WARNING?
Signs directing
pedestrians toward
opposite side of street
which has no sidewalk

14. OBSTACLES IN PATHWAYS
Many paths and sidewalks are not lit at night
Potential
surprise for
users of both
facilities

15. OBSTACLES
Sight lines of
pedestrian
crossing signal
are blocked also
How do strollers &
wheelchairs pass?

16. OBSTACLES

17. OBSTACLES

18. MAINTAINING TRAVEL ON
PATHWAYS
Many
Pedestrians and bicyclists
are travelling in
both directions on facilities
Not reflective
for those
approaching
from
opposite side

19. ALTERNATIVE ACCOMMODATIONS
Lacks curb ramp for
mobility-impaired
users

20. DETOURS ARE TWO-WAY
Detour signs
should work
in both
directions

21. TRAFFIC CONTROL IMPACTS
Passengers may
be getting on/off
or waiting for
buses within
construction area

22. MAINTAINING USABILITY &
REPAIRS
Visual-impaired pedestrians rely on tactile
devices to safely crossing intersections

23. CROSSWALKS & CURB
RAMPS
How does facility
work during
interim stages of
construction?

24. MISSING PIECES?
Access to
crosswalk for
mobility impaired?

25. ROUTES THAT MAKE SENSE
Difficult for
bicyclists & other
wheeled users,
especially at night

26. SIGN PLACEMENT
Sidewalk is also
used by bicyclists
due to adjacent
roadway speeds

27. MAINTAINING SIGHT LINES
Stopped driver
cannot see
pedestrians crossing
Stop bar is
behind sign

28. UNFINISHED WORK & DELAYS
Construction
duration can
be months or
sometimes
years

29. SURFACE CONDITIONS
Bicyclists and pedestrians
are more sensitive to surface
irregularities than motorized
traffic

30. BARRIERS CREATE PROBLEMS
When barriers are
encountered, streets
are wide & difficult to
cross due to high on-
road speeds

31. PEDESTRIANS PRESENCE
Desire lines indicate
pedestrian use

32. PEDAL STRIKES
Bicyclists in motion
can experience
unexpected impacts
caused by pedal
clipping vertical
surface

33. SAFETY + ACCESS + COMFORT
Contact:
Fionnuala Quinn
FinnBike@gmail.com