Online Webinar on Accessibility – Crossing Facilities for Pedestrians and Cyclists

In the research project “Barrier-Free Design of Crossing Facilities on Federal Trunk Roads in Built-Up Areas” (FE02.0406/2016/KGB), a new type of accessible crossing facility was developed in collaboration with various stakeholders. Observations of people with mobility impairments and cyclists at crossing points in several German cities provided valuable insights, which were used to derive further recommendations for existing designs of barrier-free crossing facilities.

What to Expect:

• Insights into the methodology of the research project, including broad stakeholder involvement and participation of people with disabilities.
• New recommendations for crossing facilities with differentiated kerb heights (“dual crossings”).
• A proposal for a third type of accessible crossing facility, developed in consultation with relevant interest groups and incorporating the needs of cyclists.

What Is It About?

On shared pedestrian and cycle paths, particularly at junctions along built-up sections of federal trunk roads, kerbs (3 cm) are often omitted to meet the comfort requirements of cyclists. However, this can result in a lack of clear separation between the footpath and the carriageway for blind and visually impaired individuals.

In the research project, various kerb-free ramped crossing designs were developed and comparatively tested in practical trials, involving stakeholders including people with disabilities. These designs allow the omission of a physical kerb while still enabling blind and visually impaired individuals to safely detect the crossing point through ramping and other design elements.

Another part of the project involved video-based analysis of existing barrier-free crossing designs. At separated crossings with differentiated kerb heights, the standard width of the flush section (zero kerb height) according to DIN 18040-3 is currently 100 cm. This width often leads to conflicts and interactions that may hinder safe crossing for wheelchair or rollator users.