Pedestrian Realm

The Pedestrian Realm is the area within a streetscape that is designed for pedestrian use but includes more than just the sidewalk. Pedestrian Realm design is an approach to supporting multiple functions of the space between the street and property line. Sidewalks are the canvas for pedestrian realm design, which plays a critical role in the character, function, enjoyment, and accessibility of neighborhoods, main streets, and other community destinations. In addition to providing space for pedestrians separated from motor vehicles, street trees and other plantings, stormwater infrastructure, street lights, and bicycle racks offer places for people to gather, stroll, shop and eat, etc.

Source: NACTO Urban Street Design Guide

DESIGN FEATURES

There are four primary zones that typically make up an active pedestrian realm: Frontage Zone, Pedestrian Through Zone, Street Furniture/ Curb Zone and Enhancement Buffer. Frontage Zone Street Furniture/ Curb Zone

The Frontage Zone is space adjacent to building.

May be occupied by front porches, stoops, architectural features, displays, café seating, etc.

Frontage Zones vary in width from a few feet to several yards. Typically, in downtown and commercial areas, the Frontage Zone should be anywhere between 2.5’- 10’. Pedestrian Through Zone

The Pedestrian Through Zone is the obstacle-free area for pedestrian travel.

Must be kept clear of any obstacles and be wide enough to comfortably accommodate expected pedestrian volumes including those using mobility assistance devices.

Ideally 5’-7’ for a residential setting and 8’-12’ wide for downtown or commercial areas, or areas with high pedestrian volumes. The Street Furniture/ Curb Zone area is between curb and through zone.

The area between the curb and the Pedestrian Zone and may include street lights, trees, bicycle racks, parking meters, signposts, signal boxes, benches, trash and recycling receptacles, and other elements.

Typically 2’-6’ depending on street classification Enhancement Buffer Zone

The Enhancement Buffer Zone is space adjacent to curb.

Dedicated space for curb extensions, parklets, stormwater management features, parking, bike racks, bike share stations, and curbside bike lanes or cycle tracks.

Refer to Curb Extensions, Parklets, Bike Parking, and Stormwater Management strategies for more details.

OTHER CONSIDERATIONS

Providing the 4 zones of the Pedestrian Realm: Creates a vibrant streetscape with active uses adjacent to the street Promotes a lively street environment and adds economic value by enabling private commercial activity to spill into the public environment of the street Provides attractive elements such as landscaping and/or rain gardens that collect storm water runoff from adjacent roads and sidewalks Pedestrian Realms with all four zones are typically found in commercial corridors with high pedestrian volumes, mixed use developments, and high-density residential areas

Source: Kimley Horn and Associates

REFRENCES

NACTO, Urban Street Design Guide