CCP416 Marked crosswalksCITY OF SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO
COUNCIL POLICY
Subject: Effective Policy
Page Date Number
MARKED CROSSWALKS
AND THEIR USE 1 of 2 11/2/93 416
The primary purpose of the marked crosswalk is to guide the pedestrian into the
proper path. Its chief function is, therefore, to serve as a channelizing device. They are
not to be considered safety devices since motorists typically cannot clearly see painted
crosswalks from the critical stopping distance and since pedestrians often do not exercise
caution when using them. The greatest potential for possible problems lies at crosswalk
locations which are "uncontrolled." An "uncontrolled location" refers to a mid-block location
or an intersection at which vehicular traffic which is at potential conflict with a pedestrian
movement is not controlled by traffic signals or stop signs.
Since it is at "uncontrolled locations" and especially at marked crosswalks where the
attitude of the pedestrian and his or her respect for vehicles is critical in terms of their
safety when attempting to cross the flow of vehicular traffic, it is at these locations where
the thrust of this present policy lies.
Significant research has been performed in this area and the results indicate that "in
terms of usage," approximately twice as many pedestrian accidents occur in marked
crosswalks at uncontrolled locations than in unmarked ones. This incidence of accidents in
marked crosswalks at uncontrolled locations is due primarily to the pedestrian's attitude,
their lack of caution, and the false sense of security they often derive from using them.
In light of the above, marked crosswalks should therefore not be used
indiscriminately, but only when deemed appropriate by the City Traffic Engineer in
accordance with the criteria and general parameters as outlined below.
Criteria Which May Be Utilized When Considering
the Appropriateness of a Marked Crosswalk
- Vehicular approach speeds from both directions
- Vehicular traffic volume and density
- Vehicular turning movements
- Pedestrian volumes
- Utilization by school children
- Roadway width and number of travel lanes
- Accident history
- Roadway geometrics and vertical alignment
CITY OF SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO
COUNCIL POLICY
Subject: Effective Policy
Page Date Number
MARKED CROSSWALKS
AND THEIR USE 2 of 2 11/2/93 416
- Day and night visibility to both pedestrians and motorists
- Channelization is desirable to clarify pedestrian route(s) for sighted or sight-
impaired pedestrians
- Need to discourage pedestrian use of undesirable routes
- Consistency with markings at adjacent intersection or within the same
intersection
- Location of designated "suggested safe route to school"
Procedure for Considering
Removal of a Marked Crosswalk
A. The City Traffic Engineer analyzes the crosswalk in terms of the above-noted
criteria. A report is prepared with a recommendation concerning the
crosswalk for the City Transportation Commission's consideration.
B. The City Transportation Commission reviews the Traffic Engineer's staff
report, receives public input, considers the pros and cons of removal, and
makes a formal recommendation to the City Traffic Engineer concerning the
disposition of the crosswalk.
C. At the time of Transportation Commission review, the City Traffic Engineer
will notify the City Manager of the matter. If the City Manager so desires, the
matter will be forwarded after Commission review to the City Council for their
consideration.
D. After review by the Transportation Commission, the public has a ten day right
to appeal the decision to the City Council.
E. After ten days from the Transportation Commission's action, if no appeals
have been received, the marked crosswalk in question may be removed
under the supervision of the City Traffic Engineer.
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