Update of the AASHTO Guide for the Planning, Design and Operation of Pedestrian Facilities

The Guide for the Planning, Design, and Operation of Pedestrian Facilities, 2nd edition, published by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) in 2021, is a foundational resource for planning, designing, and operating sidewalks, crosswalks, shared-use paths, etc. But pedestrian infrastructure planning and design practices are rapidly evolving as practitioners gain a deeper understanding of user needs and the transportation industry focuses more closely on the safety of vulnerable road users with support from many recently updated national and local policies. This trend necessitates continuous updates to the current guide to ensure information remains current, effective, and reflective of best practices. Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) initiatives such as Safe System Approach, Complete Streets, and Vision Zero emphasize creating inclusive and safe environments for all users, including pedestrians, bicyclists, motorists, and transit riders. Although the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was enacted over 30 years ago, efforts to accommodate pedestrians of all ages and abilities are ongoing. Recent research and technological advancements have improved our understanding of how to make pedestrian facilities more hospitable, comfortable, and usable. Additionally, several federal regulations, including the Public Rights-of-Way Accessibility Guidelines (PROWAG) and the 11th edition of the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) impact pedestrian facility design and operation substantially. Information from these sources needs to be incorporated and aligned with other AASHTO guides such as the Guide for the Development of Bicycle Facilities and A Policy on Geometric Design of Highways and Streets. This alignment will ensure consistency across national guidelines and support the development of pedestrian facilities that are safe, accessible, and meet the evolving needs of all users in accordance with current trends and regulatory changes. Research is needed to identify and document new content from recent studies and proven approaches in a single document to support practitioners from state departments of transportation (DOTs) and other agencies, as well as transportation professionals from industry and academia, to incorporate these updates into pedestrian facility planning, design, and operational practices. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this research is to investigate and promote modern, proven approaches and provide implementable guidelines for planning, designing, and operating pedestrian facilities. The research will focus on enhancing pedestrian safety, accessibility, and mobility in various contexts. Ultimately, this research seeks to develop a comprehensive resource document that will support practitioners in creating pedestrian-friendly spaces for people of all ages and abilities.

• Record URL:
  • http://apps.trb.org/cmsfeed/TRBNetProjectDisplay.asp?ProjectID=5652
• Supplemental Notes:
  • Contract to a Performing Organization has not yet been awarded.

Language

• English

Project

• Funding: $800000
• Contract Numbers:

  Project 07-37

• Sponsor Organizations:

  National Cooperative Highway Research Program

  Transportation Research Board
  500 Fifth Street, NW
  Washington, DC  United States  20001

  American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO)

  444 North Capitol Street, NW
  Washington, DC  United States  20001

  Federal Highway Administration

  1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE
  Washington, DC  United States  20590
• Project Managers:

  Zhao, Yi

• Start Date: 20241119
• Expected Completion Date: 0
• Actual Completion Date: 0

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Design; Pedestrian areas; Pedestrian safety
• Identifier Terms: American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials
• Subject Areas: Design; Pedestrians and Bicyclists; Safety and Human Factors; Terminals and Facilities;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01919146
• Record Type: Research project
• Source Agency: Transportation Research Board
• Contract Numbers: Project 07-37
• Files: TRB, RIP
• Created Date: May 20 2024 8:59PM