Continuous Sidewalks

Continuous sidewalk and/or cycle track designs maintain the surface for the sidewalk at the same heigh across side street intersections and driveways, bringing the roadway up to the level of the sidewalk rather than having the sidewalk drop down to the level of the road. This creates a clear priority for people walking and cycling at these intersections while also creating elevation changes that encourage slower turning behaviours for drivers.

Application/Considerations/Outcomes

• Can be placed at an intersection where a major street intersects with a smaller residential street
• Sidewalk material and color does not change as it crosses through the intersection
• Roadway curb continues parallel to the street, resulting in no defined turning path for motor vehicles
• The roadway ramps up to the crossing, encouraging drivers to slow down
• Corner radii can be designed at a 90° angle, forcing drivers to slow down as they make a right turn

Image sources: Roy Simons, ISL, Google Earth, Ottawa