5.2 Continuous pavements (often called Copenhagen crossings)

Continuous pavement crossings are extensions of the pedestrian space, and cycle lanes where applicable, across the carriageway of a side street at intersections with primary or secondary streets. They differ from older side entry treatments which raise the carriageway but do not provide a continuation of the pavement. Continuous crossings have numerous benefits, including:

• Providing an uninterrupted route for pedestrians and cyclists;
• Providing a clear visual and tactile indication that pedestrians and cyclists have priority, in line with the movement hierarchy;
• Reducing vehicle approach and turning speeds; and
• Providing a ‘gateway’ feature to indicate the transition from a primary or secondary street to a local street or tertiary, signalling the need for drivers to behave differently in the new environment.

The crossing should be designed to provide clear visual continuity of the footway across the side street, they should be as simple as possible and avoid any unnecessary changes in material or road markings.

The crossing should be the same width as the main pavement and use the exact same surfacing material. If the existing pavement comprises asphalt in the same colour as the carriageway, a contrasting pavement material should be used for the crossing a short section either side (typically 3.0m) to differentiate.

Asphalt footways should not normally be used on new streets, modular block or flag paving is the preferred standard.

Where appropriate, some space may be required for turning vehicles to give way, however consideration should be given to maintaining pedestrian desire lines.

The crossing should include a ramp up to the level of the pavement, to provide a level surface for pedestrians and reduce vehicle speeds, with dedicated kerbs now available in the UK to facilitate this.

It might be also appropriate to narrow the carriageway of the side street at the entrance and include traffic management features to reduce vehicle movements.

Continuous crossings must be used whenever a lower order street, such as a local street connects to a higher order street, such as a primary street.

Figure 5-1a: Example. Lea Bridge Road, Walthamstow London. (Credit - Create Streets)

Figure 5-1b: Example. Deflt, Netherlands (Credit - Create Streets)

Figure 5-2: Indicative layout showing the integration of a Copenhagen crossing at a street junction (Credit - Create Streets)