Objectives:
Upon completion of this lesson, students will be able to:
- Describe problems associated with using mid-block crossings.
- Explain the advantages of using medians for mid-block crossings.
- Explain the design considerations for using medians for mid-block crossings.
- Describe where and under what circumstances mid-block crossings should be allowed.
Pre-Instruction:
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Components |
Activities |
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Motivation |
Ask the students if they can tell you where there are mid-block crossings in your community. Ask the students if these crossing locations are appropriate. Have them think about other places, locally, where a mid-block crossing might be useful. |
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Objectives |
Present and explain the four lesson goals listed above (V-16-1). |
Information Presentation:
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Components |
Activities |
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Information Sequence |
Outline the presentation of the lecture (V-16-2). |
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Information |
Explain the pros and cons of having mid-block crossings. Discuss the advantages of using medians in conjunction with mid-block crossings (V-16-3). Discuss the design considerations of using medians in conjunction with mid-block crossings (V-16-4).
Explain where and under what circumstances mid-block crossings should be allowed (V-16-5). |
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Example(s) |
Show examples (e.g., slides, videotape) of the different design practices related to mid-block crossings that are cited in the text. |
Student Participation:
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Components |
Activities |
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Practice |
Use the activity provided in the Student's Guide. |
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Feedback |
Provide comment and feedback to the class as appropriate. |
Follow-Up:
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Components |
Activities |
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Enrichment |
Assign reading for Lesson 17.
Have the students visit the home page of the U.S. Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board (http://www.access-board.gov/). Ask them to bring to the next class information on issues related to accommodating disabled pedestrians. |
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Review |
Provide a summary of Lesson 16 (V-16-6). |
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Exercise |
Ask the students to complete the exercise at the end of Lesson 16 in their workbooks. This exercise is reprinted below for your convenience. 16.9 Exercise Choose an urban site that would be a good candidate for a mid-block crossing with a pedestrian refuge island. Document the reasons that people often cross at this site (or would cross, given the opportunity). Photograph the site and prepare a sketch design solution. |
Lesson Objectives:
- Describe problems associated with mid-block crossings
- Explain the advantages of using medians for mid-block crossings
- Explain design considerations for using medians for mid-block crossings
- Describe where mid-block crossings should be allowed
Lesson Outline:
- Pros and cons of mid-block crossings
- Advantages of using medians with mid-block crossings
- Design considerations for using medians with mid-block crossings
- Where mid-block crossings should be allowed
Advantages of Using Medians:
- Allow more frequent gaps
- Cheaper to build
- Cheaper to maintain
Design Considerations for Using Medians:
- Width
- 8 feet desirable
- 2-foot minimum
- Ramps may be needed
Use of Mid-block Crossings:
- Local roads
- Collector roads
- Arterials with four lanes
- Arterials with six or more lanes
Lesson Summary:
- Mid-block crossings can be an effective part of the overall pedestrian network
- Mid-block crossings can be created by using simple designs and logical guidelines