NYMTC Regional Pedestrian Safety Study - New York Metropolitan ...

The three-lane option above has fewer crashes of all types. A road diet typically reduces conflict
points and crashes, especially rear-enders and sideswipes. Left-turning drivers have a better
view of oncoming traffic with just one lane versus the problem of shielded traffic in the outside
lane while waiting to turn.
There are numerous benefits for pedestrians. Pedestrian crash risk increases with number of
travel lanes and speed. Road diets reduce crossing distance. They allow for medians or crossing
island to break a long crossing into 2 simpler crossings. Road diets reduce top end travel speeds.
They eliminate or reduce “multiple threat” crash types. They increase sidewalk buffer from
travel lanes (parking or bike lane). As mentioned in the first paragraph, they reclaim street space
for “higher and better use” than moving peak hour traffic
Figure 5.12 Before and After an Implementation of a Road Diet
Textured or Colored Pavements (Cobblestone, Brick Pavement, Stamped Pavement): Various
methods are used to create textured or visually distinct pavements such as cobblestones, bricks,
stamped (or printed) patterns or color pigment.
Their main objectives are to reduce speed, to
create a pleasant aesthetic effect, or to indicate a
change in the character of the area. They are
used for pedestrian crossings, raised intersections
or entire streets. However, the use of
cobblestones or bricks can cause difficulty for
pedestrians, particularly older or disabled
pedestrians, and also for maintenance equipment.
They also can generate noise from vehicles
driving on them. Printed or painted patterns are
less of a problem, but paint and textures can
both be slippery when wet.
Figure 5.13 Colored Pavement in Pearl
River, New York
NYCDOT used colored pavement treatments in Downtown Brooklyn to indicate a change in the
driver environment (that is, from commercial to residential). For example red pavement
designates the transition from commercial to residential at Hicks Street/Atlantic Avenue. They
NYMTC Pedestrian Safety Study 70